Today is a sad day for Bak Kut Teh lovers in Singapore. 

Why? Because there’s going to be one less 老招牌 Bak Kut Teh shop in Singapore.

44-Year-Old Bak Kut Teh Shop To Close Down Today (30 Jun)

Lau Hock Guan Kee Bak Kut Teh, which has been around since 1973, is well-known for their fish head curry, steamed fish and bak kut teh.

Starting out as a street stall in Dunman Road back in 1973, the stall moved to 328 Joo Chiat Road in 1985.

Two brothers, Chen Jingfu and Chen Jingyuan, ran the shop for over 40 years. 

But the older brother, Jingfu, passed away in March this year.

The reason why they’re closing their doors for good? Due to manpower shortage.

The younger brother, Jingyuan aged 67, told Wanbao that for the past one to two years, they were not able to retain staff.

Singaporean workers “wanted to quit after two days”.

And we get it. Being in the F&B business, especially coffee shops and standalone restaurants like this, is hard work.

You’ve got to wake up early, you don’t get paid plenty and it’s tough physical work.

Extended family used to help out, but could not help anymore

Mr Chen also said that in the past, extended family members used to help out at the shop. However, they have to look after their grandchildren, and couldn’t do so anymore.

The restaurant was handled by just three people: Mr Chen himself, his wife and an employee who has been with them for more than 30 years. 

Unfortunately, the employee left the shop in March this year to take care of her husband who had health problems.

With the manpower issue, Mr Chen decided to close down the business for good.

Customers have been flocking down to the restaurant for one last meal before it closes for good.

S’pore’s F&B in the future

What do you see when you imagine the future of food scene in Singapore?

I see something really sad. And it’s something that’s happening in food courts and coffee shops already.

With the lack of manpower and sky-high rental, chains will dominate the food scene.

The lucky ones who survive probably entered lists like the Singapore Michelin Guide and Bib Gourmand. 

You’ll find A-One Bak Kut Teh stalls everywhere and see mostly Kimly coffee shops, together with Kimly zi char, Kimly cai png and all.

The only ones who can tahan and thrive in the F&B industry will be the big players; those that operate numerous stalls around Singapore #EconomiesOfScale

Do you see the same thing? 

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Feature Image: zaobao.com.sg

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com