Refer China: China BBQ Chain Refunds 1。1M Yuan in May for February Dining Flaw

Very Long Ago Lamb Skewers refunded 1.1M yuan to 48,000 tables after grill flaw. Half of February lamb skewer bills refunded in May. No complaints needed.

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China

Very Long Ago Lamb Skewers

Lamb Skewer Chain

Proactive Refund

No Complaint Needed

A well-known Chinese lamb skewer barbecue chain has gone viral online after voluntarily paying out 1.1 million yuan ($162,000) in partial refunds to past diners, sparking heated online talks over customer-first business culture.

A Chinese barbecue chain has issued refunds totalling over US$162,000 yuan to 48,000 tables after acknowledging that their skewers had not been properly cooked. Photo: Sohu

Named Very Long Ago Lamb Skewers, the brand runs 142 direct-operated outlets nationwide. Early this May, it tracked down guests from 48,000 dining tables across 24 stores who ate there back in February and refunded half their lamb skewer bills.

No customer complaints triggered the massive payout. The restaurant spotted flaws from new grilling equipment failing to hold stable temperatures, resulting in skewers cooked below its official standard. It decided to compensate all affected customers proactively.

The unexpected refund split public opinion online. Some called it a clever marketing trick, while others praised its sincere respect for diner experience. PR analyst Yao Suxin commented the move polished its premium food-quality image and boosted online exposure, also reminding catering brands to tighten internal management.

Nicknamed the “Haidilao of barbecue”, this 2008-founded brand is famous for ultra-forgiving refund rules and thoughtful perks, sourcing lamb from Hulunbuir’s premium grassland. Diners get full bill waivers simply by saying dishes taste bad; partial refunds apply for long waiting times, making netizens hesitant to voice complaints over its lenient policy.

Its over-the-top free services fuel its fame: cooling patches for hot dining rooms, sweet-flavored soft tissues, hand cream, mouthwash and Florida water in restrooms, plus complimentary ice cream post-meal. Popular among South Korean tourists, its Beijing and Shanghai shops even hire Korean-speaking servers to cater to overseas visitors.