Hotpot chain Xiabuxiabu plans to transform into a fresh food delivery platform in case of virus surge during Lunar New Year
- Hong Kong-listed Xiabuxiabu hotpot chain plans to convert its over 1,000 mainland outlets into a grocery delivery service in case of further outbreaks
- The company also plans to opens 100 new outlets this year, including its first overseas branches in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia
Hotpot restaurant operator Xiabuxiabu is not going to let the pandemic get in its way. The company has formulated a strategy that will transform it into a fresh food delivery company in a “worst-case scenario”, and it remains on track to open another 100 outlets this year, including a few overseas.
“We are not scared of the pandemic because we are prepared to face any unforeseen circumstances,” said Zhao Yi, CEO of Hong Kong-listed Xiabuxiabu Catering Management China Holdings.
“In the event of a worst-case scenario, if everything shuts down again [because of lockdowns], all our restaurants can quickly turn into [a convenience store like] 7-Eleven or Dingdong Maicai, the fresh vegetable e-commerce platform, allowing us to serve consumers fresh meat and vegetables prepared for our hotpot.”
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Chinese hotpot restaurant chain adapts as coronavirus fears push communal meals off the menu
On January 20, China reported 144 new cases, the biggest daily increase since July, as new infections in the northern province of Hebei near the capital Beijing continued to rise. The wave of new cases is raising serious concern among Chinese officials as the customary Spring Festival travel rush draws closer. The authorities have encouraged people not to travel and gather with relatives, but to stay where they now live and work, to reduce the movement of people.
