Food Republic’s last Beijing outlet to close on June 15 after 26 years of operations
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There are 14 Food Republic outlets in Singapore, according to its website.
ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Food Republic is expected to close its last outlet in the Chinese capital Beijing at 8pm on June 15, after 26 years of operations.
The foodcourt chain, which is owned by Singapore food and beverage firm BreadTalk, put up a notice at its entrance in Beijing’s Oriental Plaza announcing the closure, according to a report on May 23 by Chinese news outlet Jiemian News.
The notice said consumers with membership cards or stored-value cards should process their refunds as soon as possible.
The Oriental Plaza outlet opened in 2000, according to Jiemian News.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, BreadTalk cited the expiry of the outlet’s tenancy lease as the reason for its closure.
BreadTalk added that it will focus on its network of nearly 20 Food Republic stores across China, especially in Shanghai and Shenzhen. It will also focus on its outlets in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
BreadTalk said Food Republic is diversifying its business model to deepen corporate partnerships. It added that it aims to partner educational institutions and corporate headquarters to operate in-house cafeterias in China.
“The Chinese market remains a core priority for Food Republic’s long-term development,” said BreadTalk, adding that it aims to steadily expand in key international markets such as Singapore, Thailand and Britain.
At its peak in 2016, Food Republic had more than 40 outlets in China, including in Tianjin and Chongqing, said Jiemian News.
There are 14 Food Republic outlets in Singapore, according to its website. Food Republic also operates in Malaysia.
