The Story of Llaollao / Gong Cha Isn’t New. 4 Years Ago, there was Pezzo vs Sarpino’s

Last Updated on 2017-12-22 , 10:10 am

You guys should know the drill by now.

Change in management. Dispute between franchisor and franchisee. Brand leaves Singapore. New brand takes over. The former announces a comeback a few days/months later.

What’s new, right?

However, did you know that there was another “franchise war” back in 2013?

Now, I’m sure most of you know about Pezzo and Sarpino’s pizza.

(Bad idea to write this article before lunch)

Back in 2013, when customers attempted to contact Sarpino’s, they were directed to Pezzo Pizza instead. Gee, I can already imagine the confused look on the customers’ faces already.

How did this happen?

Apparently, Sarpino’s Singapore had been taken over by a company known as Belgarath Investments in 2013. A new website, going by www.sarpinos.sg, was introduced. A new hotline number was also introduced.

However, the original website, www.sarpinos.com.sg, was not taken down.

Instead, customers who tried to access the original website or dialled the old hotline number were directed to Pezzo Pizza instead.

When customers started to complain on Sarpino’s Facebook page regarding delayed delivery, being directed to Pezzo Pizza, and receiving Pezzo pizza instead of Sarpino’s, Sarpino’s administrators made the following comments:

• One of the stores in East coast area is “not part of our system and is operating illegally”
• Errors are due to “Technical issues”
• Sarpino’s is facing issues which have to be sorted out by their legal team.
• The old website will be taken down shortly

…The first image that came to my mind was this.

However, we do know that Pezzo is related to the old management of Sarpino’s before the change in management.

Hmm. Looks like it really is another llaollao/Gong Cha case lah.

Anyway, let’s look at some questions you guys might have on your mind right now.

But why

Why didn’t Sarpino’s take down the original website? Considering Pezzo is related to the old management, there are a couple of possibilities.

According to lawyer Chia Boon Teck, one of the reasons could be due to the contract for the takeover by the new management not covering the details of running the business.

“Contracts should be drafted by a lawyer but some people choose to DIY and draft their own agreements. They are bound to be inadequate,” he said.

It could also be due to one of the party not complying with the terms of the contract, either deliberately or unwittingly.

In conclusion

Welp, most of the links and posts have since been taken down by the respective companies. Hence, from what we can gather, this whole saga reminded us of llaollao and Gong Cha.

I’m pretty sure that there are more similar cases out there. Such is business, you know. You either make it or die trying. And sometimes, it’s your “friend” that stabs you in the back.

Anyway, out of curiosity, I actually went to take a look at http://www.sarpinos.com.sg/

WHAT THE HELL IS THIS.

Ehh well, at least there aren’t two websites for Sarpino’s anymore!

Since you’re here, why not watch a video about an NTU student who went all out to impress his crush, only to end up in…tragedy? Here, watch it and do remember to share it (and also subscribe to Goody Feed YouTube channel)!

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

Read Also

• 9 Facts About LlaoLlao’s Return & Its ‘Attack’ on Yole
• History of Llaollao in S’pore: How It Started & Died Here
• Wah, This Die-hard Fan’s Dedication for Gong Cha is Damn IMBA

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Featured image: asiaone.com