Haidilao

Haidilao is a prominent hotpot restaurant chain originating from Sichuan province, China. It's newsworthy due to its global presence and unique aspects of its operations. Recent attention stems from its popularity amongst Gen Z in China, who are increasingly bringing stuffed toys to the restaurants and treating them like children, celebrating their 'birthdays' there. Furthermore, the story of Yang Lijuan, a former waitress who rose through the ranks to become CEO in 2022, highlights the company's internal culture and opportunities for advancement. Yang's journey from waitress to CEO of overseas units is particularly noteworthy. Haidilao's relevance lies in its position as a successful Chinese food and beverage group expanding internationally, a relative rarity in Southeast Asia, where local food cultures often dominate. Its adaptability to cultural trends, such as the Gen Z 'painless motherhood' phenomenon, also contributes to its continued success and media attention.