Goodbye Bakerzin, Antoinette and Charlie Brown Cafe: 28 F&B brands and outlets that closed in 2020

[UPDATED, Dec 31]

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses have taken a hit, including F&B outlets. Many have turned to takeaway and delivery services to keep their businesses going but even that has proven to be insufficient.

Be it due to high rental costs, loss in revenue or leases ending, some restaurants had to close their doors, and here's the list of everyone who has shuttered in 2020.

Charlie Brown Cafe 

The last day of the year marks the last day of operations for Charlie Brown Cafe at Cineleisure Orchard. The cafe was first opened in 2010 at 313@somerset, before relocating to their current home. And like most businesses, it was a victim of Covid-19, losing $10,000 from in the first half of the year, according to a report by The New Paper. 

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As the lease was ending, the owner Lawrence Lim, decided to close the business, for now. The 46-year-old hopes to reopen again if he finds the right location and funds. 

Spruce at Bukit Timah Old Fire Station

Spruce is a popular restaurant that specialises in European and American cuisine, and it has called the rustic Located in Bukit Timah Old Fire Station home for nine years. However, they recently announced in a Facebook post on Dec 21 that they will shutter this iconic outlet on Dec 27.

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The reason for the closure is because the National Parks Board plans to convert the area into a visitor centre and develop the surrounding area for nature and heritage exploration. The brand's HillV2 and Phoenix Park outlets are unaffected and will continue operating.

The Salted Plum

Known for its affordable Taiwanese-style dishes and tapas, The Salted Plum closed their Suntec City and Circular Road outlets on Dec 13.

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The brand was in Singapore's F&B scene for nearly four years and their hearty rice bowls and braised pork belly was popular amogst frequent diners. While they did not disclose the reason of their closure, they wrote in their farewell Facebook post that "it has been a challenging year for [them]".

Sum Yi Tai

Cantonese bar Sum Yi Tai was known for their vintage set up, which is reminiscent of Hong Kong in the 1980s. However they shut their doors on Nov 16 after six years of operations after being unable to come to an agreement with their landlords. They even held an open house to sell their furniture, dining ware and decor.

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However, they do hope to relocate to a new space with a "good landlord" and promised to keep their customers posted.

Yoogane

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After entering Singapore in 2014, the South Korean chain known for its chicken galbi ceased operations of its last remaining branch in Westgate on Oct 31.

However, if you are still craving for Yoogane's chicken galbi, the brand is still serving its signature dish via GrabKitchen - Hillview through delivery. 

This may not be the last we see of the brand in a physical location too as Yoogane has mentioned that they'll "be back once we've found a suitable location". 

Operation Dagger

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The bar, which made it to Asia's 50 Best Bars list, has ceased operations at Ann Siang Hill from Oct 31. 

If you didn't know about it, it would be hard to stumble upon this 'secret bar' as its name wasn't even on its door. They were also known for the lack of spirit references on their menu, so customers won’t have any preconceived notions of taste.

Fans need not yet despair as according to their Facebook page, the brand will be coming up with a new immersive concept called #DaggerLab at Straits Clan.

Bakerzin

The Singaporean restaurant chain has closed all its outlets in Singapore, according to a report by The Business Times.

The 22-year-old brand gave notice on Monday (Oct 5) of a creditors' meeting for the purpose of winding up and has already closed its remaining five outlets, which includes its branches at Gardens by the Bay and United Square shopping mall. 

Picnic Food Park 

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The multi-concept F&B enclave at Wisma Atria, which comprises Omakase Burger, Supergreek, Madefresh Pizza and The Humble Scoop, will be ceasing operations on Oct 25 after four years of operations. 

There is some good news though as both Omakase Burger and Supergreek, which had their flagship stores in Picnic, would be finding new locations to continue their operations.

Fans of the local burger brand can head to their pop-up at Toa Payoh for now to get their Omakase fix. 

Firebake - Woodfired Bakehouse & Restaurant

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The restaurant in Katong that was well-known for its wood-fired oven and baked breads announced that it had ceased operations permanently on August 28. 

It first opened its doors in 2017 and attracted many fans in the East with its fresh bakes and European fare for those who wanted a hearty meal.

Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant

Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant as closed after a lengthy 43 years in business. 

The restaurant, located at Keppel Road, had closed its doors temporarily during circuit breaker in April, and planned to reopen on August 1. But with the pandemic still impacting operations of F&B businesses in Singapore, the restaurant decided to wind down for good, affecting about 30 employees.

The revolving restaurant, which made one complete revolution every hour, was opened in 1977, and gave patrons a panoramic view of Sentosa, Keppel harbour and the distant city skyline.

Oxwell & Co.

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After seven years of operation, Oxwell & Co. closed the doors at its iconic Ann Siang Hill home on July 18. While the company has not yet stated the reason why it is closing, it hopes that the closure would not be permanent.

According to SG Magazine, Ben Jones, CEO of M. Group, the hospitality group behind Oxwell & Co said in a media release: "The team is working hard to identify a new venue to ensure that our absence on the scene is a hiatus, rather than a final farewell."

"Until we meet again, we encourage everyone to support this amazing city's F&B scene. The industry is having a tough time, and needs your support. Eat in, take out, tip well, and show your appreciation," he added.

Antoinette

The French patisserie and cafe's iconic flagship Penhas Road outlet closed at the end of June (its other Millenia Walk outlet had been closed since April).  

But it's not the coronovirus pandemic that has forced the nine-year-old business owned by local chef Pang Kok Keong to shutter.

Pang told 8Days that the business had become unsustainable due to the high levy imposed by the Urban Redevelopment Authority to use the shophouse unit for commercial purposes.

But all's not lost. Pang shared that he will be opening a foodcourt stall selling Hakka noodles come end July. 

Boufe Boutique Cafe

According to their website, Boufe Boutique Cafe closed on June 30. Customers who wish to order from them before then may order directly from their website.

Modesto's Restaurant

Modesto's Elizabeth hotel outlet closed its doors in May and its Orchard Road outlet shuttered permanently by the end of June.

In a report by Channel NewsAsia, the owner of Modesto cited a loss of profit as a reason for the closure and did not want to risk losing more.

Inspirit House

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Serving both Asian and Western dishes, Inspirit House announced that they will not be continuing their lease at The Punggol Settlement once it expires in August as they are unable to bear the heavy cost of running the operations.

However, as the lease will only end in August this year, customers who wish to show some support in the meantime can order from here. 

Vianney Massot 

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As their lease was up for renewal in July, the one-Michelin-starred restaurant decided to stop operations at its Hongkong Street address, citing that the intimate space was no longer compatible with the restaurant vision on their Facebook page on June 16. The good news is that they are looking for a new home. 

DC Super Heroes Cafe Marina Bay Sands

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Known for it superhero-themed decor and menu, the cafe announced the closure of its Marina Bay Sands branch on June 17 through Facebook. Its lease at Marina Bay Sands had come to an end and they decided not to renew.

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For the cafe's other branch in Takashimaya, it is unclear if they would reopen, but a Facebook suggests that they will be changing the concept for the outlet.  

Out of the Cake Box

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The Telok Blangah cake shop announced that its lease had come to an end and it would be shuttering on June 15. The owner has not shared any other plans for now, even as customers have enquired about online delivery services on their Facebook page. 

Plentyfull

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The cafe at Millenia Walk announced on June 10 that it will be shutting its doors on June 14. However, it added that it's not a permanent closure, as they will be on the hunt for a new location. Their sister concept, Plentyfull Bakery & Deli at Great World City remains open.

Imperial Treasure Nan Bei

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After 16 years, it's goodbye to Imperial Treasure Nan Bei at Ngee Ann City. In a post on June 10, the Imperial Treasure group announced that it has ceased operations at the outlet since June 8. It's business as usual for the other eateries under the Imperial Treasure umbrella.  

Starker Group

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The Starker Group announced that it will be closing for good in a post on June 4. The group of bar and bistros has at least seven outlets across Singapore.

Fabulous Baker Boy

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In an announcement on their website, chef-owner Juwanda Hashim stated that they "won't be here in June", and that they "won't be reopening, taking any online, takeaway or delivery orders" upon advice by authorities to stay closed since April 21.

He added that as their lease on their Fort Canning will be expiring in July, the future of the cafe, which has been around for at least 10 years, remains uncertain. 

Teafolia

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Bubble tea shop Teafolia announced today (June 1) in a Facebook post that it had ceased operations in Singapore for good, due to the current economic situation. 

Teafolia first opened in Singapore in 2017 with three outlets and was known for its fruit teas. 

However, the shop had temporarily closed two of its outlets since April 22 due to circuit breaker measures. On May 18, it permanently closed its Bedok Mall outlet. 

Coffee Break @ Ascent

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While Coffee Break shuttered its Ascent outlet at Kent Ridge for good yesterday (May 31), customers are still able to visit their Hong Lim and Amoy Street Food Centre outlets.

7th Mile Seafood

Zi char restaurant 7th Mile Seafood ceased operations on April 7 as there were too many "operational problems and it was the only way for them" as stated in their Facebook post.

Kuishin-Bo

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Japanese restaurant Kuishin-Bo served its last buffet at Suntec City on April 6, after 19 years. It had closed its other outlet at Jurong Point in 2017.

Breko Cafe

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Breko Cafe served its last customer on March 30, marking an end to its 20-year operations in Singapore.

Jok Jok Mor

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As their business was no longer sustainable due to the current situation, Jok Jok Mor, which is known for its traditional Thai claypot porridge, decided to close its restaurant on March 18.

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