F&B Businesses Closure List 2024: Endings and Beginnings

The F&B scene in Singapore is fiercely competitive and constantly evolving. New restaurants, cafes, and eateries regularly emerge, but closures are also common. The reasons for closures vary, including retirement, redevelopment, new business strategies, or poor performance. Despite these challenges, many establishments intend to return with fresh concepts and culinary offerings after a hiatus. We eagerly anticipate their comeback, as they have previously provided commendable food and services.

In light of these dynamics, business registry statistics from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) reveal the number of F&B entities opened and closed in the first half of 2024 as follows:

The F&B business in Singapore faced challenges with more closures than openings overall but showed signs of recovery in June 2024. Hopefully, there will be more good news in the second half of 2024.

If you notice any of your favorite dining spots have disappeared from the local culinary landscape, please inform us so we can keep our list updated.

Bakeries

Tigerlily Patisserie

Tigerlily Patisserie, renowned for its French-inspired pastries, ceased operations on April 30, 2024. The patisserie, located at Joo Chiat Road, was conceptualized during the Covid-19 pandemic in July 2020, starting with bake boxes to uplift spirits. Founder and award-winning pastry chef Maxine Ngooi, with experience from Les Amis and Joel Robuchon Restaurant, aimed to invigorate Singapore’s bakery scene with integrity and a commitment to craft. The patisserie’s signature offerings included the Pistachio Marimo and Pink Guava & Pear cake.

The decision to close stemmed from rising operational costs and the end of the lease. Tigerlily was recognized with 3 spoons at the Museum of Ice Cream’s Sweet Spot Awards, voted Pastry Chef of the Year at the World Gourmet Awards, and featured in Prestige’s 40 under 40. The closure marked a poignant end to a journey filled with community support and culinary innovation.

Last Day of Operation: 30 April 2024

Address: 350 Joo Chiat Road Singapore, Singapore 427598

Reason for Closure: Expired rental & rising operational costs

Happiness Nonya Cakes and Confectionery (双喜娘惹粿西菓店)

After serving the community for over 50 years, Happiness Nonya Cakes and Confectionery (双喜娘惹粿西菓店) will be closing its doors in mid-September 2024. The decision to close was made by the owners, an elderly couple in their eighties, due to their age and the lack of manpower to continue running the business.

The confectionery was originally located at Kim Keat Lane, where the owners sold nonya kueh for 25 years. They later moved to their current location at Block 92 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, where they have been for over 50 years.

The shop is known for its affordable nonya kueh (龟粿), with prices ranging from 60 cents to $1. Some of their popular items include kueh salat (糯米咖椰糕), ondeh ondeh (椰丝椰糖香兰糯米球), and glutinous rice with kaya (糯米饭).

Last Day of Operation: September 2024

Address: 92 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310092.

Reason for Closure: Retirement of Owners

Le Matin Patisserie

On February 29, 2024, Le Matin Patisserie, a renowned bakery cafe, shuttered its sole ION Orchard outlet after just one year of operation. Founded by pastry chef Mohamed Al-Matin, the patisserie initially operated online and through pop-ups. In February 2023, it found a physical space at ION Orchard, delighting patrons with exquisite pastries. While the specific reason for closure remained undisclosed, industry rumors pointed to steep rental costs and the high expenses associated with crafting labor-intensive treats. Despite bidding farewell in its current form, Le Matin Patisserie hinted at a potential future return, promising something new and exciting.

Last Day of Operation: 29 February 2024

Address: 2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard, #B2-49, Singapore 238801.

Reason for Closure: Unknown

Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts & Puff

Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tart & Puff (瑪德琳蛋撻正宗澳門莆式蛋撻), a beloved local favorite bakery in Tanjong Katong, has been serving flaky and rich egg tarts since 1998. These shatteringly crisp tarts have become a staple in the neighborhood. The shop, solely owned and managed by Biz21 Marketing, also offers delightful Macau crispy puffs. Unfortunately, the closure of Madeleine’s is imminent due to the landlord’s decision to sell the property where the shop is located. As a result, the team has announced that they will be shutting down operations on August 16, 2024.

Last Day of Operation: 16th August 2024

Address: 198 Tanjong Katong Road, NA, Singapore, 436997

Reason for Closure: Lease due

Cafes

Mr Kopi

Mr Kopi, a coffee shop in Bedok’s Djitsun Mall, closed its doors after serving affordable coffee in March 2022. The café had been popular among locals, students, and coffee lovers. On February 19, 2024, Mr Kopi announced it was moving out of Bedok, possibly due to problems with rent. Co-founder Alvin Lee said they planned to transition Mr Kopi into a cloud kitchen. This meant they would make coffee for other places like cafés and vending machines in Singapore. Even though Mr Kopi had closed, there was hope it might return with something new in the future.

Last Day of Operation: 19th February 2024

Address: 445 Bedok North Street 1, #01-03 Djitsun Mall, Singapore 469661

Reason for Closure: Rental Hike

Homeground Coffee Roasters

Homeground Coffee Roasters, a local coffee brand, has announced closing their cafe at Teo Hong Road. The cafe opened in 2018 at Joo Chiat before relocating to Outram Park in 2022 and will cease operations at the end of April 2024. But don’t worry, customers can still purchase brewing coffee from their roastery at 55 Kim Chuan Drive or online shop.

Last Day of Operation: April 2024

Address: 13/15 Teo Hong Rd, Singapore 088328

Reason for Closure: Unknown

Hawker Centre

Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre

Established in 1975 and renovated in 2003, the Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre will halt operations in mid-2024. Situated in Bukit Timah, this renowned food center, comprising both wet and dry markets along with food and beverage stalls, has been a focal point for local cuisine enthusiasts. Famous for its diverse hawker offerings, some notable dishes include Seng Heng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (成兴海南去骨鸡饭), He Le Seafood White Bee Hoon (和乐海鲜白米粉), Chin Hock Mutton Soup (進福羊肉湯), Terry Katong Laksa, He Zhong Carrot Cake (合众菜头粿), 168 Beef Hor Fun & White Bee Hoon with Clams, Yong Seng Satay (永生沙爹), among others. Despite its popularity, the center is slated for closure to accommodate a new development. Its closure signifies the end of an era for the community, yet also hints at new prospects with the impending complex.

Last Day of Operation: Mid of 2024

Address: 51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588215.

Reason for Closure: New development

Shi Wei Da Satay Bee Hoon （夜市沙爹米粉）

The Shi Wei Da Satay Bee Hoon stall located at Bedok 85 Market ceased operations on April 30, 2024. This stall, owned by Ng Kim Song, had been a part of Singapore’s hawker scene for over 30 years and was recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2018. The closure was due to the sale of the stall unit, which was co-owned with a Teochew porridge vendor (食为大潮州糜). The stall’s history was marked by its contribution to the local food culture with its signature satay bee hoon dish. Despite the closure, there was a hint from the owner’s daughter, Adeline Ng, that the stall might potentially reopen if the opportunity arose.

Last Day of Operation: 30 April 2024

Address: Blk 85 Bedok North Street 4 #01-41, Singapore 460085.

Reason for Closure: Stall was sold

Number One Hundred (一百号菜饭 )

Number One Hundred, a beloved hawker stall located at Chinatown Complex Food Centre, has been a fixture since 1983. Named for being the 100th stall in the hawker center, it was known for its signature egg fried rice with a variety of proteins like Taiwanese Style Chicken Cutlet, Marinated Jumbo Shrimps, and Spice Tender Pork Chop. Over the years, the stall owner, Liu Xiang, also offered more zi char-style items like Salted Egg Yolk Chicken, Salt & Spice Pork Rib, and Five Spice Beef to attract more customers. However, he has decided to close the business due to manpower constraints.

Last day of Operation: End of July 2024

Address: Chinatown Complex Food Centre, 335 Smith St, Singapore 050335

Reason for Closure: Manpower issues

Food Courts

Taiwan Night Market 台湾夜市小吃

The Taiwan Night Markets at Cineleisure, which opened in July 2023, closed down after March 31, 2024. Operated by the Fei Siong Group, this eight-month-old food concept aimed to bring the original flavors of Taiwanese cuisine to Singapore. However, a gradual decline in customers, coupled with higher prices due to imported ingredients, led to the closure of several stalls.

Last Day of Operation: 31st Mar 2024

Address: 8 Grange Road #B1-01, Cineleisure, Singapore 239695

Reason for Closure: Poor foot traffic and high operating costs

Restaurants

Ponggol Seafood

Ponggol Seafood (榜鹅福记海鲜馆), an iconic Singaporean restaurant renowned for its chilli crab and mee goreng, closed its doors after more than five decades of operation. Founded in 1969 by Mr. Ting Choon Teng, the restaurant originally bore the name Hock Kee Seafood Restaurant and was located near Punggol Jetty at the end of Punggol Road. Its rustic charm and delectable seafood dishes drew both locals and tourists during the 1970s and 1980s. However, in 1994, the government acquired the land, forcing the restaurant to relocate.

After operating at various locations over the next two decades, Ponggol Seafood returned to its original spot at The Punggol Settlement in 2014. In 2023, the family-run business changed hands, with new owners changing the name to New Punggol Seafood but later rebranded it as Ponggol. Mr. Fabian Lim, along with his father Joseph Lim and nephew Edward Ho, took over the restaurant. Despite their efforts to revive its former glory, challenges arose. High rental costs, increasing operational expenses, and manpower issues made it difficult to sustain the business. On May 2, 2024, the restaurant quietly closed its doors, ending an era of culinary excellence.

Last Day of Operation: 2nd May 2024

Address: 500 New Punggol Rd, #01-07/08/09 The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828617.

Reason for Closure: High operating costs & manpower issues

Chef Kang’s (江师傅私房菜）

Chef Kang’s, a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant in Singapore, will close on October 10, 2024. Founded in 2015 by Chef Ang Song Kang, the restaurant quickly gained acclaim, earning one Michelin star annually from 2017 to 2024. Located at 25 Mackenzie Road, the intimate establishment is known for its signature dishes like deep-fried crispy pork belly. Chef Kang, now 60, is retiring due to health issues and the absence of a successor.

Last Day of Operation: 10th Oct 2024

Address: 25 Mackenzie Road,  Singapore 228681

Reason for Closure: Health issues and no successor

FuFu Pot

Fufupot, a restaurant known for its innovative approach to hot pot dining, has permanently closed its doors at its current location in Plaza Singapura. Describing itself as a place that offers a fresh way to enjoy bubbling boilers, Fufupot catered to those who craved individualized hot pot experiences. Their single pots allowed patrons to savor delicious ramen in various flavorful broths. Notably, Fufupot was the first in the city to introduce a Stinky Tofu soup pot—a unique blend of fermented tofu, fresh scallops, shrimp balls, and crisp nai bai. Additionally, spice enthusiasts could indulge in their Sichuan Mala hotpot. Unfortunately, due to lease constraints, Fufupot bid farewell to its loyal customers on August 11, 2024.

Last Day of Operation: 11th August 2024
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #06-07, Singapore 238839
Reason for Closure: Lease Due

Little Caesars Pizza

Little Caesars, a well-known U.S. pizza chain, was founded in 1959 in Michigan. It expanded globally and opened its first outlet in Singapore in 2018. The restaurant was popular for its value-for-money pizzas, including options like Pepperoni, Cheese, and various specialty pizzas, all starting at affordable prices. Over the past year, six other outlets in Singapore had already shut down, indicating ongoing financial challenges for the brand in the local market. The last remaining outlet at Funan Mall will close in September 2024.

Last Day of Operation: September 2024.
Address: #01-18 Funan Mall, 107 North Bridge Road, S179105
Reason for Closure: High Operational costs & increased competition