The closure notice was posted at the company’s last remaining outlet in the Moko shopping centre in Mong Kok on Wednesday. “In recent years, the catering industry in Hong Kong has been facing structural challenges,” it said.
A notice announcing the closure of Super Star Seafood Restaurant was displayed at its Moko shopping centre location in Mong Kok on Wednesday, South China Morning Post reported.
“In recent years, the catering industry in Hong Kong has been facing structural challenges,” the notice stated.
“The local consumer market has continued to be weak, and there has been a fundamental change in tourists’ consumption patterns. The business of our company has inevitably been affected.”
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A dish at Super Star Seafood Restaurant in Hong Kong. Photo by Instagram/moko_super_star |
The notice explained that the company attempted to negotiate relief measures, such as rent adjustments or suspensions, with landlords but could not reach an agreement.
The unexpected closure has left 50 affected workers in uncertainty and they are currently working with the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions to resolve employment issues with the restaurant operator, according to The Standard.
The employees were only informed of the closure around 11 p.m. the day before. It is expected that the number of impacted workers may increase.
Outstanding payments amount to approximately HKD6 million, according to authorities.
Among the affected workers, who are dealing with one and a half months of unpaid wages from two months ago, as well as unclaimed annual leave and payment in lieu of notice, the union highlighted that 15 employees have sufficient tenure to be eligible for severance payments.
Established in 1989, the Super Star Group once operated 16 branches across the city, but the Moko branch was its last remaining location.
Many Hong Kong restaurants have closed in recent months amid high rents and low consumer spending.
Four Point Gold Restaurant chain also announced Tuesday its closure of one of its two remaining restaurants.
“Can’t stand up to times, can’t stand up to the current market,” the restaurant said in an announcement.
Last month, Hong Kong’s popular restaurant operator King Parrot Group, founded in 1992, closed nine eateries, reportedly owing staff more than HKD1 million in pay and benefits.
