Crystal Jade closes four more outlets, cuts 120 jobs ahead of proposed sale

Restaurant chain Crystal Jade has reduced its Singapore presence, shuttering four more outlets and laying off around 120 employees as part of a restructuring ahead of a potential sale. The four locations – three Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao restaurants in Bugis Junction, Toa Payoh, and i12 Katong, and Crystal Jade GO at Oasis Terraces in Punggol – closed operations on October 6.

Advisory firm Kroll, who were appointed receivers over Crystal Jade’s Singapore and Hong Kong operations on September 29, confirmed the implementation of the restructuring measures on October 7. This leaves Crystal Jade with nine operating outlets in Singapore and a workforce of approximately 210. Workers terminated from the affected restaurants and certain corporate functions will receive their final salaries, and restaurant staff will serve their notice periods and be compensated per their contracts.

Kroll and Crystal Jade have been collaborating with the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) to support the affected employees during this challenging period. The union is working with NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and employer partners to help the affected workers find new jobs, offering over 400 opportunities in sectors like food manufacturing, services, hospitality, and retail.

FDAWU representatives assisted affected workers, offered guidance on support schemes, and arranged care packs for those in need. The central kitchen of Crystal Jade Food Manufacturing, located in Singapore and not under receivership, also ceased operations on October 5 as part of the company's broader restructuring efforts. Kroll representatives anticipate no further outlet closures in Singapore.