Core Viewpoint - After a two-month crisis regarding pre-made dishes, the restaurant chain Xibei is transitioning from poor public relations to a more receptive approach, implementing price cuts, salary increases, and freshly made dishes to attract customers back to their restaurants [1][4]. Group 1: Customer Attraction Strategies - Xibei has initiated significant discount campaigns, including a "50 yuan off 50 yuan" voucher promotion, which has been extended to the end of November, aiming to draw customers back to the dining experience [1][2]. - The restaurant chain launched a "Please Eat" campaign on September 24, offering customers a no-strings-attached 100 yuan voucher, which significantly improved foot traffic [2]. - Xibei has also reduced prices on over 40 dishes by 15% to 20%, addressing consumer concerns about high prices and enhancing the overall dining experience [3][6]. Group 2: Employee Engagement and Cost Management - The company announced an average salary increase of 500 yuan per month for frontline employees starting in September, along with additional bonuses and allowances to stabilize staff morale [5]. - This dual strategy of lowering prices while increasing employee wages aims to improve customer service quality, which is crucial for retaining customers [5][6]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Challenges - Xibei reported a revenue of 6.2 billion yuan in 2023, with food procurement costs at 30%, indicating a relatively strong cost control compared to the industry average of 45.2% [6]. - However, the reliance on large subsidies to attract customers poses a risk to profitability, as ongoing discounts may compress profit margins [6][7]. Group 4: Industry Context and Competitive Landscape - The restaurant industry is undergoing a significant shakeout, with many once-popular brands struggling to maintain profitability amid rising costs and changing consumer preferences [8][9]. - Xibei's recent challenges reflect broader industry trends, including a decline in average dining prices and increased competition, which may necessitate structural adjustments to maintain profitability [8][9]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Strategic Considerations - The recent public relations incident involving Xibei's marketing partner has reignited scrutiny, potentially complicating the company's recovery efforts [9][10]. - Moving forward, Xibei must establish transparent pricing and production practices to regain consumer trust and ensure long-term sustainability in a competitive market [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing conflict between Xi Bei and marketing consultancy Hua Yu Hua has reignited public discourse, with implications for Xi Bei's brand reputation and operational strategies [2][5][12]. Group 1: Brand Reputation and Public Relations - Hua Yu Hua's chairman, Hua Shan, publicly defended Xi Bei, suggesting it is a pinnacle of the Chinese restaurant industry, but his comments have been interpreted as targeting Luo Yonghao, who previously had a conflict with Xi Bei [2][4]. - Luo Yonghao responded to Hua Shan's remarks, indicating a willingness to escalate the situation if clarity is not provided, which could further complicate Xi Bei's public relations efforts [4][5]. - The marketing consultancy's involvement has been criticized for exacerbating the situation rather than aiding in reputation recovery, highlighting a potential misalignment in communication strategies [12][15]. Group 2: Operational Adjustments and Customer Engagement - In response to previous negative publicity, Xi Bei has implemented strategies such as price reductions, issuing vouchers, and increasing employee salaries to restore brand image and customer trust [6][7]. - Xi Bei reduced prices on over 40 dishes by nearly 20%, with specific examples showing significant price drops on popular menu items [6]. - The company has also introduced a "compensation award" for affected frontline employees and has engaged psychological counseling services to support staff [6][8]. Group 3: Customer Traffic and Financial Performance - Following the implementation of customer engagement strategies, Xi Bei has seen a gradual recovery in customer traffic, with a reported increase of approximately 5% compared to the same period last year [8]. - Despite the increase in customer traffic, the average spending per customer has declined due to the price reductions, with the average per capita spending reported at around 75 yuan [8][9]. - The ongoing public relations challenges have led to a temporary halt in Xi Bei's expansion, with reports indicating the closure of nearly 10 stores since October, although the company plans to open 8 new locations by the end of the year [9][10].

Core Insights - Xibei has implemented a nationwide price reduction for over 40 dishes, with an average decrease of nearly 20% since early October [2][3] - The company has also initiated various promotional activities to attract customers, including issuing cash vouchers and offering discounts [4] Price Adjustment - Xibei's price reduction affects 70%-80% of menu items at individual locations, with specific dishes seeing price drops of 16.81%, 11.24%, and 10.34% [3] - The price adjustments were a response to negative publicity following the "pre-made dish incident" in September [3] Employee Support - In light of the negative impact on frontline employees due to public backlash, Xibei has introduced a "compensation award" and is providing psychological counseling [3] - Since September, Xibei has increased salaries for frontline employees by an average of 500 yuan per month and is considering further salary enhancements [3] Customer Engagement - Xibei launched the "Xibei Treats You to Dinner" campaign, offering 100 yuan vouchers to customers, followed by a new promotion where customers receive vouchers based on their spending [4] - As a result of these initiatives, overall customer traffic increased by approximately 5% compared to the same period last year, with 70% of participants being repeat customers [4] Store Operations - Despite the promotional efforts, Xibei has closed nearly 10 stores since October, while planning to open 8 new locations by the end of December [4] - The company emphasizes that opening and closing stores is a normal part of restaurant operations and is based on business performance [4]

Core Insights - Xibei has implemented a nationwide price reduction on over 40 dishes, with an average decrease of nearly 20% since early October, following negative publicity from the "pre-made dish incident" [1][4] - The company has initiated various promotional activities, including distributing cash vouchers to attract customers back to its stores [2][4] - Despite the promotional efforts, Xibei has closed nearly 10 stores since October, although it plans to open 8 new locations by the end of December [4] Pricing Strategy - Xibei's price adjustments include specific dishes such as the grassland tender grilled lamb chop, which decreased from 119 yuan to 99 yuan (a reduction of 16.81%), and the scallion grilled fish, which dropped from 89 yuan to 79 yuan (an 11.24% decrease) [1] - The price reduction strategy is part of a broader effort to regain customer trust and increase foot traffic, which has reportedly risen by 5% compared to the same period last year [4] Employee Support Measures - In response to the negative impact on frontline employees due to the "Xibei Luo Yonghao incident," the company has introduced a compensation program and psychological counseling for affected staff [1] - Since September, Xibei has increased the average monthly salary of frontline employees by 500 yuan and is considering further salary enhancements [1] Customer Engagement Initiatives - The "Xibei Treats You to Dinner" campaign began on September 24, offering customers a 100 yuan voucher with any purchase, followed by a new promotion from October 9 to October 31, where customers could earn vouchers based on their spending [2] - Approximately 70% of customers participating in the promotional activities were returning customers, indicating a successful re-engagement strategy [4]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the proactive measures taken by the company, Xibei, in response to negative publicity and operational challenges since September, including employee support initiatives and product adjustments [1][2][3] Group 2 - Xibei has established a "compensation award" for frontline employees affected by online harassment, along with psychological counseling support [1] - Since September, Xibei has increased the average monthly salary of frontline employees by 500 yuan and is discussing further salary enhancements [1] - The company held a nationwide meeting for 18,000 employees to assure them of job security, prohibiting layoffs and reduced shifts [1] Group 3 - To rebuild its brand image, Xibei has committed to food safety and has adjusted its food preparation processes, moving from centralized kitchens to in-store cooking [1] - As of the end of September, Xibei has completed the first phase of menu adjustments, including the use of non-GMO soybean oil and freshly cooked dishes [1] Group 4 - Xibei launched promotional activities such as "Xibei Treats You to Dinner," offering 100 yuan vouchers to attract customers, followed by a new round of promotions with additional discounts [2] - The company has reduced prices on over 40 dishes since October 1, with significant price drops on popular items, such as a 16.81% reduction on lamb chops [2] - As a result of these promotions, overall customer traffic increased by approximately 5% compared to the same period last year, with 70% of participants being repeat customers [2] Group 5 - Despite the promotional efforts, Xibei has closed nearly 10 stores since October, which the company describes as a normal operational adjustment [3] - New store openings are also occurring, with plans to open 8 additional locations by December 31 [3] - The company has outlined three principles for store closures, including notifying customers in advance and ensuring employee job security through transfers to other locations [3]

Core Viewpoint - The recent closure of some Xibei restaurants has sparked discussions on social media, but the company asserts that these closures are part of normal adjustments, with plans to open 8 new locations by the end of the year [1][3][4]. Group 1: Store Operations - Xibei plans to open 8 new stores this year, including locations in Shenzhen, Nanjing, and Xi'an [2][3]. - The company has closed nearly 10 stores since October, primarily due to factors like lease expirations and market strategy adjustments [3][4]. - Xibei's annual dynamic store adjustment rate is around 10%, with 2023 seeing 26 new openings and 14 closures, resulting in a total of 354 stores [4]. Group 2: Customer Engagement and Promotions - Xibei initiated a "Please Eat" campaign, offering customers vouchers to encourage visits and feedback on improved dishes, which has led to a 5% increase in overall customer traffic compared to the previous year [5][6]. - The company has been actively issuing vouchers since September 24, with promotions designed to attract both new and returning customers [5][6]. Group 3: Menu and Pricing Adjustments - Starting October 1, Xibei reduced prices on over 30 dishes by nearly 20%, with specific examples showing significant price drops [6]. - The company is committed to continuous improvement based on customer feedback, focusing on enhancing food quality and service [6][7]. Group 4: Brand Reputation and Safety - Xibei has undergone over 70 inspections since September, with no food safety risks identified, maintaining consumer trust in food safety, especially among families [7]. - The company aims to strengthen its focus on family dining, including specialized services for children and the elderly, while also enhancing safety measures in all locations [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the paradox of the restaurant chain Xibei, which, despite facing significant online criticism, continues to attract long queues of customers in physical locations, highlighting the disconnect between online sentiment and real-world consumer behavior [5][10][20]. Group 1: Online Criticism vs. Real-World Demand - Many online critics of Xibei have likely never dined there, as evidenced by the continued customer turnout despite negative reviews [6][10]. - The criticism directed at Xibei is more about its public relations and brand image rather than the quality of its food [10][11]. - The phenomenon of online backlash does not equate to a brand's demise; rather, it reflects a broader social behavior where criticism can be a form of social expression [13][22]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Preferences - Consumers prioritize their personal cravings over online opinions, leading them to choose Xibei for its unique offerings, such as its signature dishes [15][19]. - Xibei has established a reputation for safety and consistency, which is particularly appealing to families with children, contributing to its sustained popularity [16][18]. - The brand has a loyal customer base, with 70% of its patrons being repeat customers, indicating a strong connection to its offerings despite external criticism [18][24]. Group 3: Brand Resilience and Market Position - Xibei has survived numerous controversies without significant damage to its business model, suggesting a robust market position [19][20]. - The brand's ability to meet consumer needs in a standardized manner has allowed it to thrive, even amidst public relations challenges [19][22]. - The article concludes that the only real threat to Xibei's existence would be a failure in product quality, as it has maintained a clean safety record over its 37 years of operation [24].

Core Viewpoint - The company is undergoing significant changes in branding and menu offerings in response to declining sales due to recent controversies, aiming to restore its image and boost consumer confidence [2][3]. Group 1: Branding Changes - The company has changed its storefront color from red and white to white and green, with a new slogan "I come from the grassland" replacing the previous one [1]. - The logo and branding adjustments are part of a broader strategy to reshape the company's image following a sales decline [2]. Group 2: Sales Promotions - The company has issued two rounds of consumer vouchers, with promotions running from October 9 to October 31, offering discounts based on spending thresholds [2]. - A special event called "Xibei Treats You to Dinner" was held from September 24 to October 8, distributing 100 yuan dining vouchers to customers, valid until October 31, 2025 [2]. Group 3: Menu Adjustments - The company is implementing menu changes, including the transition to on-site cooking for certain dishes, with a commitment to complete these adjustments by October 1, 2025 [3]. - Price reductions have been made on select menu items, such as the grassland tender grilled lamb chop, which decreased from 119 yuan to 99 yuan [2].

Core Viewpoint - The company Xibei is undergoing significant brand changes and promotional activities in response to a decline in sales due to recent controversies, aiming to restore its image and boost consumer confidence. Group 1: Brand Changes - The logo of Xibei's Beijing Shijingshan Wanda store has changed from a red and white color scheme to a white and green one, and the name "Yomiancun" has been replaced with "I Come from the Grassland" [1][3] - Staff at the store confirmed the logo change but did not provide clear information regarding the name change, indicating a lack of communication from headquarters [3] Group 2: Sales Promotions - Xibei has launched multiple promotional campaigns, including issuing consumption vouchers to encourage customer visits. From October 9 to October 31, customers can receive vouchers based on their spending, with specific conditions for usage [3] - A previous promotion, "Xibei Treats You to Dinner," offered customers a free 100 yuan dining voucher for in-store purchases, valid until October 31, 2025 [5] Group 3: Menu Adjustments - In response to customer feedback, Xibei is implementing menu changes, including price reductions on certain dishes. For example, the price of grassland tender grilled lamb chops has decreased from 119 yuan to 99 yuan [5] - The company has committed to adjusting its food preparation processes, with plans to shift from centralized kitchen operations to on-site cooking by October 1, 2025, including using non-GMO soybean oil for all dishes [5]

Group 1 - The company is launching a promotional campaign from October 9 to October 31, 2025, offering vouchers for in-store dining based on spending thresholds [1] - A previous campaign titled "XIBEI Treats You to a Meal" was held from September 24 to October 8, 2025, distributing 100 yuan dining vouchers to customers [1] - The vouchers are valid for in-store dining only and have specific usage conditions, including a 30-day validity period [1] Group 2 - Since mid-September, the company has faced challenges due to the pre-made food controversy, impacting customer traffic [2] - An apology was issued by the company, acknowledging discrepancies between production processes and customer expectations, along with a commitment to implement corrective measures [2] - By October 1, 2025, the company plans to complete nine adjustments to its menu, including switching to non-GMO soybean oil and preparing certain dishes on-site [2] Group 3 - On October 1, 2025, it was observed that some menu items had already undergone changes in preparation methods at various locations [3] - The company has removed the "25-minute meal guarantee" from its service commitments [3] - Price adjustments have been made for several dishes, with examples showing reductions in menu prices [5] Group 4 - The company, founded in 1988 by Jia Guolong, operates over 370 stores across 62 cities in China, employing approximately 18,000 staff [5]