Singapore lok lok chain founded by local influencer hawker to shut after 5 years

Phyllis, a local influencer hawker, has announced the closure of her popular Singaporean lok lok chain, Fei Zhu Lok Lok, after five years of operation. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, she stated that September 13 would be the chain's final day, without providing a specific reason for the closure. She acknowledged that the Singapore food and beverage industry is extremely challenging for businesses without significant organization or financial backing.

Lok lok is a beloved Malaysian street food featuring skewered ingredients cooked in boiling stock. The chain, which operates two outlets in Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh, gained fame for its diverse selection of skewers and signature Lala Soup. Despite closing its physical stores, the business will continue to cater to private events, corporate functions, house parties, and pop-up events.

Fei Zhu Lok Lok was established in early 2021 by Phyllis and her childhood friend, when they were both 24 and unable to travel to Johor Bahru due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The business initially started as a hawker stall in a coffee shop, selling skewers for S$1 each. Its popularity skyrocketed after being featured in local news outlets, leading to long queues stretching for hours.

Initially, Phyllis had wanted to name the business "Chio Bu Lok Lok," a Hokkien slang term for a pretty woman, earning her the title of the "self-proclaimed 'chio bu' hawker." The closure of Fei Zhu Lok Lok contributes to the increasing number of F&B businesses shutting down in Singapore this year, with 2,101 closures reported between January and July, a 25.1% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.