Hot Pot Giant 海底捞 Secretly Launches Fried Chicken Chain, TargetingBudget-Conscious Consumers
BEIJING, CHINA – A recentreport by 36Kr, a leading Chinese tech media outlet, has revealed that renowned hot pot chain 海底捞 (Haidilao) has quietlylaunched a fried chicken restaurant chain under the name [Insert actual name of the chain if available]. This move marks a significant departure from the company’s traditional focus on high-end dining and targets a more budget-conscious consumer base.
The new fried chicken chain, reportedly offering an average meal price of 40 yuan (approximately $6 USD), is a stark contrast to海底捞’s signature hot pot experience, which often costs upwards of 100 yuan per person. This strategic shift suggests that the company is aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of fried chicken in China, particularly among younger consumerswho are increasingly seeking affordable and convenient dining options.
While the exact details of the new chain remain shrouded in secrecy, 36Kr reports that the restaurants are designed to be smaller and more casual than traditional 海底捞 outlets, with a focus on takeout and delivery services. This aligns with the company’sbroader strategy of diversifying its business model and exploring new revenue streams beyond its core hot pot offerings.
This move comes at a time when 海底捞 is facing increasing competition from other hot pot chains and a challenging economic environment. The company has been struggling to maintain profitability in recent years, with its share price plummetingby more than 70% since its peak in 2021.
Analysts believe that the launch of the fried chicken chain could be a strategic move to attract a wider customer base and boost revenue. By offering a more affordable and accessible dining option, 海底捞 could potentially capture a larger share ofthe fast-food market, which is currently dominated by Western chains like KFC and McDonald’s.
This is a smart move by 海底捞, said [Name of analyst], a senior analyst at [Name of research firm]. The fried chicken market in China is booming, and 海底捞 has thebrand recognition and operational expertise to make a real impact. By targeting a younger and more budget-conscious demographic, they can potentially tap into a new customer base and generate significant revenue.
However, some industry experts remain skeptical about the success of the new chain. They argue that 海底捞’s reputation for high-quality service and premium ingredients may not translate well to a fast-food setting. Additionally, the company faces stiff competition from established players in the fried chicken market, which have already built strong brand loyalty and distribution networks.
It remains to be seen whether 海底捞 can replicate its success in the hot pot market inthe fast-food space, said [Name of analyst], a food industry expert. The company has a lot to prove, and it will need to differentiate itself from the competition to gain traction in this crowded market.
Despite the uncertainties, the launch of the fried chicken chain represents a significant shift in strategy for 海底捞. The company is clearly looking to expand its reach and diversify its revenue streams, and its success in this new venture could have a major impact on the Chinese food industry.
Further investigation is needed to uncover the following:
- The exact name of the new fried chicken chain.
- The locationsof the existing restaurants.
- The specific menu items offered at the chain.
- The company’s long-term plans for the new venture.
This news article will be updated as more information becomes available.
【source】https://36kr.com/p/2922754086378119
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