Chinese diners are becoming more discerning, according to Meituan data. They increasingly assess food quality, service, and value for money, making it harder for weaker restaurant concepts to succeed through novelty, marketing, or rapid store openings alone.
Jiumaojiu International is a Chinese multibrand restaurant operator. The firm generates most of its revenue from Tai Er, a restaurant chain that is known for its sauerkraut fish (steamed fish smothered in pickled cabbage). Established in 2015, Tai Er is immensely popular, with about 500 outlets in China at the end of 2025 and is frequented particularly by the post-1990s generation.Other key concepts include the namesake brand Jiu Mao Jiu (64 units) and Song Hotpot (62 outlets). The company's portfolio also features other brands such as Lai Mei Li (Chinese grilled fish) and Shanwaimian (Guizhou Hotpot). A large majority of Jiumaojiu's restaurants are company-owned, though the company is currently piloting a franchising business model.