In December 2012, the central government put forward Eight Regulations aimed at addressing common corrupt practices in the state sector. The general message was to “hard work, save money, and resist extravagance and waste”. As a high-end catering company targeting government and business people, high-end restaurant chain Beijing Yan felt the impact. The ill winds led catering companies to change their approach. One approach was to seek out a mid- to lower-end market. This would involve changing offerings to suit the mass market. Another was to merge or acquire other restuarants. How did Beijing Yan address the situation, and haul itself out of the quagmire?