A Chinese eatery owner was criticised for telling people earning US$680 a month not to dine out. - Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin
BEIJING: The owner of a high-end hotpot restaurant chain in China has ignited public outrage for suggesting that individuals earning less than 5,000 yuan (US$680) per month should refrain from dining at his establishment.
The controversial comment from Du Zhongbing, founder of Banu Hotpot, occurred during a hotpot industry symposium in Sichuan province, southwestern China, and has since gone viral on social media, as reported by China Business News.
“Hotpot is not intended to cater to grass roots customers,” Du stated at the meeting, later adding, “If you earn only 5,000 yuan a month, please do not visit my restaurants. Just opt for some malatang (spicy hotpot typically available at street stalls).”
Banu Hotpot, which has a per-person consumption of around 200 yuan (US$28), operates 140 outlets across mainland China.
The restaurant prides itself on its signature dishes, featuring tender cattle stomach and flavourful mushroom soup.
Hotpot is a popular culinary tradition in China, where people savour the experience of sharing food and quality time together. - Photo: Douyin
In the wake of the public backlash his remarks provoked, Du took to social media on February 27 to clarify what he claimed was a misinterpretation of his true intentions, according to the report.
He asserted that the statements regarding “hotpot not serving the low-class” and “those earning less than 5,000 yuan per month should avoid his restaurant” were made separately and not in conjunction with one another during his address.
“Regarding the development of the hotpot industry, I remarked that it used to be affordable, but has increasingly become more expensive, which may not be a positive trend. However, a company should maintain its own positioning and define criteria for selecting its customers,” Du explained.
“Many people have criticised Banu for its high prices, which has put immense pressure on me.”
He elaborated: “My advice for those who may not be in a stable financial situation, such as a fresh graduate earning only 5,000 yuan a month, is to reconsider indulging in high-end dining experiences and avoid visiting Banu.”
“We can postpone the fulfilment of our desires and instead invest in self-improvement. That was my true intention. If my message was not conveyed clearly, I take responsibility for that.”
Despite his clarifications, most of the mainland public remained unconvinced by Du’s attempts at justification.
“Individuals earning 5,000 yuan per month deserve the right to enjoy expensive food. This founder comes off as arrogant. Let’s not forget, he relies on customers for survival,” one online commenter noted.
An editorial from the Mengma Video news platform stated: “Customers cherish their freedom of choice. It’s perfectly acceptable for you to price your products high, while we may prefer more affordable options. However, we do not require a boss to dictate our life choices. Your superior attitude is unacceptable.” - South China Morning Post
