GUOQUAN Food (referred to as "GUOQUAN") is exploring new growth opportunities in the community market with an innovative model. The company recently announced the launch of "GUOQUAN Stir-Fry," with its first outlet set to begin trial operations in early 2026. These stores will rely on smart cooking machines, targeting community-based scenarios without dine-in services. A single machine can prepare a dish in as little as 2–3 minutes, with the fastest delivery time of just 1 minute.

GUOQUAN has long maintained a deep partnership with franchisees and continues to expand its store network. However, frequent food safety incidents have raised concerns. Industry experts suggest that, beyond standard store formats, GUOQUAN’s new model must prioritize food safety while adapting operational strategies to different scenarios.

**A Dish Ready in ~3 Minutes** After making its mark in hotpot, GUOQUAN is now venturing into Chinese stir-fry cuisine. The first "GUOQUAN Stir-Fry" outlet is scheduled for a trial run on January 6, 2026, with a preparatory base currently under renovation in Chengdu.

The new store format features robotic arms handling ingredients and seasonings in semi-open cooking chambers, eliminating the need for chefs. The process—from heating the wok to serving the dish—takes just minutes. Operating under its "Community Central Kitchen" strategy, the model focuses on online orders and quick pickups, with no dine-in options.

GUOQUAN’s menu is designed for high repeat orders and compatibility with robotic cooking. After six rounds of selection, the final lineup includes over 100 dishes spanning eight major Chinese cuisines, emphasizing popular, hassle-free meals that consumers often find expensive or difficult to prepare at home.

While GUOQUAN has not disclosed detailed expansion plans, its official account mentions that future services may include pre-ordered pickups and semi-prepared meal kits combining pre-cut vegetables, ingredients, and sauces for home cooking.

**Strengthening Community Presence** GUOQUAN’s stir-fry venture is backed by a strategic investment in smart kitchen service provider Xiong Miao Master in 2025. Leveraging supply chain efficiency and technology, the collaboration aims to enhance convenience while maintaining wok-cooked flavors.

GUOQUAN’s franchise-driven model remains central to its growth. Since its IPO in November 2023, franchisees have contributed over 80% of its revenue, with H1 2025 sales reaching RMB 3.24 billion. The company has also tested premium formats, such as a high-end hotpot and teppanyaki restaurant in Zhengzhou.

**Addressing Food Safety Challenges** Despite rapid expansion, GUOQUAN faces scrutiny over food safety. Recent incidents, including a fly found in tripe and a cigarette butt in mushroom products, sparked online backlash. Over 600 complaints on consumer platforms cite issues like spoiled food and foreign objects.

Experts warn that food safety will be critical for the new format’s success. While GUOQUAN’s supply chain and scale offer cost advantages, its brand perception remains tied to hotpot, requiring efforts to reshape consumer expectations for stir-fry.

**Future Prospects** Analysts see potential in GUOQUAN’s shift from ingredient supply to food service, provided it addresses taste consistency and consumer acceptance. Recommendations include diversifying regional menus, ensuring operational standardization, and optimizing smart cooking to rival traditional wok flavors.

As competition intensifies in China’s community dining sector, GUOQUAN’s ability to balance speed, quality, and safety—while exploring semi-prepared meals and light dining—could determine its success beyond hotpot.