Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding "pre-made dishes" at Green Tea restaurants has led to a significant shift in consumer perception, with the term "freshly made" becoming a contentious issue in the restaurant industry [2][4]. Group 1: Consumer Perception and Reactions - Recent observations indicate that Green Tea restaurants have removed signage claiming "no pre-made dishes, freshly made" from their storefronts, raising questions about transparency [3]. - Consumers have expressed concerns over the use of pre-made dishes without prior notification, arguing that it infringes on their right to know [4]. - Social media discussions reveal a polarized view on pre-made dishes, with some consumers feeling misled by the restaurant's marketing strategies [4]. Group 2: Operational Practices and Supply Chain - Green Tea Group's prospectus reveals a partnership with 205 third-party food processing companies, allowing them to reduce upfront investment costs and enhance operational efficiency by outsourcing much of the food preparation [3][6]. - The reliance on pre-made dishes has been framed as a means to improve restaurant efficiency, although it contradicts the marketing narrative of freshly made food [4][6]. Group 3: Regulatory Scrutiny and Financial Performance - The China Securities Regulatory Commission has inquired about the food safety and proportion of pre-made dishes used by Green Tea restaurants, emphasizing the need for compliance in their supply chain practices [6]. - Green Tea Group reported a positive earnings forecast, expecting a net profit of approximately 247-254 million RMB for the first half of the year, marking an estimated growth of nearly 40% [7]. - The expansion of Green Tea restaurants has been significant, with over 500 locations established across various provinces and regions in China by August 2025 [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversy surrounding the use of pre-prepared dishes by the Green Tea restaurant chain, highlighting the discrepancy between their marketing claims of "freshly made" food and the reality of using pre-prepared ingredients, which has raised consumer concerns about transparency and food quality [3][6][9]. Group 1: Company Practices - Green Tea restaurant has removed the signage stating "no pre-prepared dishes, freshly made" from its storefronts, indicating a shift in their marketing approach [5][8]. - The restaurant collaborates with 205 third-party food processing companies to prepare most of its ingredients, which allows for lower costs and increased operational efficiency [6][9]. - Despite promoting certain dishes as "freshly made," the reliance on a central kitchen for food preparation has led to consumer backlash regarding the freshness and quality of the food served [6][9]. Group 2: Consumer Reactions - Consumers have expressed concerns on social media about the lack of transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared dishes, feeling that their right to know about the food they consume is being violated [6][9]. - Incidents of pre-prepared dishes being sold without proper labeling have further fueled consumer distrust, as seen in the case of the "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" dish that was sold without indication of being pre-prepared [9]. - The article notes a polarized view among consumers regarding pre-prepared dishes, with some accepting them for convenience while others demand fresh, made-to-order meals [6][9]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Green Tea Group reported a positive earnings forecast, expecting a net profit of approximately 247-254 million RMB for the first half of the year, marking an increase of nearly 40% [9]. - The growth in profit is attributed to the continuous expansion of its store network, with over 500 locations established across various provinces and cities in China [9].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding "pre-made dishes" has led to a backlash against the term "made-to-order" in restaurants, particularly affecting the Green Tea restaurant chain, which has removed its "no pre-made dishes, made-to-order" signage from its locations [1][3]. Group 1: Consumer Sentiment and Reactions - Consumers have expressed concerns over Green Tea restaurant's use of pre-made dishes without prior notification, claiming it infringes on their right to know [4]. - Social media reactions show a polarized view on pre-made dishes, with some customers worried about freshness and quality, especially after incidents where pre-made items were not clearly labeled [7]. Group 2: Operational Practices - Green Tea restaurant has partnered with 205 third-party food processing companies to streamline operations, allowing for lower costs and increased efficiency by outsourcing most food preparation [4]. - The restaurant emphasizes "made-to-order" in its marketing while relying on a central kitchen to enhance service speed and reduce operational costs, creating a contradiction in its messaging [4]. Group 3: Regulatory Scrutiny - The China Securities Regulatory Commission has inquired about Green Tea restaurant's food safety practices and the proportion of pre-made dishes in its offerings, indicating regulatory pressure on the company [6]. Group 4: Financial Performance - Green Tea Group went public in May 2023 and reported a positive earnings forecast in August, expecting a net profit of approximately 247-254 million RMB for the first half of the year, marking a nearly 40% increase [8]. - The growth is attributed to the expansion of its restaurant network, with over 500 locations across 21 provinces, 4 municipalities, 2 autonomous regions, and Hong Kong by August 2025 [8].