SINGAPORE: Flash Coffee has shut its Singapore operations to focus on other markets, the company told CNA on Friday (Oct 13) in response to queries about its business here.
The Singapore-based coffee chain had 11 outlets in Singapore, including one at Jurong Point where a sign on Thursday said employees were “on strike” over late salary payouts.
“Contrary to reports, our staff in Singapore are not on ‘strike’,” the company said.
“We ceased operations at our 11 stores and consequently, our baristas are not required to report to work.”
Flash Coffee said that to build a profitable and sustainable business, it decided to “further consolidate our future efforts and to double down on our most promising markets”.
“To facilitate this renewed focus, we ceased operations in Singapore yesterday, comprising 11 stores out of our (around) 200 global stores,” it added.
A search on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) portal showed that the company’s status was “in liquidation – creditors’ voluntary winding up”.
Launched in 2020, Flash Coffee, with its iconic yellow storefront, also operates in Asian markets such as Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong.
In 2021, it had almost 30 outlets in Singapore.
Mr Lim, a 29-year-old artificial intelligence engineer, said he first noticed that the outlet was closed on Wednesday but did not think much about it.
“When I suspected something was up, I checked their app, and it showed no available outlets to order from, which is odd because usually, they will list all outlets, even if they’re outside operating hours,” he said.
At Keppel Bay Tower, an office worker who gave his name only as Mr Soh said the outlet is usually open at lunchtime and he was surprised to see it closed on Friday.
Ms Zee, a barista at Dimbulah Coffee in the same building, said the Flash Coffee outlet has been closed since 9am on Wednesday, when an employee shut the store and left with her personal belongings. Ms Zee said the outlet usually closes at around 4.30pm.