Xibei rejected online claims that it would completely collapse within two to three months, saying on September 19 that all stores nationwide were operating normally and urging the public to assess online information rationally. The rumors, posted by Weibo blogger Liji, alleged that founder Jia Guolong would assume most of the debt, surrender his equity and retain about 100 profitable stores for employee self-operation, while more than 10,000 workers had been laid off and more than 200 stores closed. Xibei customer service said the company would continue providing quality products and services, while maintaining its direct-operation model under an internal partnership structure. Separately, corporate records showed that Jia's wife, Zhang Liping, pledged her entire 5.1959% direct stake in Xibei Catering Group to an ICBC Hohhot branch on September 2. The pledged equity represents a subscribed capital contribution of 5.400005 million yuan, with the entry listed as active; Zhang's broader ultimate beneficial interest is 13.3687%. Xibei has not responded to the pledge. The episode adds financial scrutiny to difficulties that intensified after a 2025 prepared-food controversy, subsequent store closures and weaker consumer confidence. Jia previously confirmed plans to close 102 stores, about 30% of the total, affecting roughly 4,000 employees, while the company described a Tianbian store suspension as a single-store planning adjustment. The gap between those confirmed changes and the larger figures in the online post remains unresolved.