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

Crystal Jade, a Singaporean restaurant chain, has announced the closure of four additional outlets and the termination of around 120 employees in a restructuring process leading up to a potential sale. The four outlets that closed on October 6 included three Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao locations in Bugis Junction, Toa Payoh, and i12 Katong, as well as Crystal Jade GO at Oasis Terraces in Punggol. The remaining five operating outlets in Singapore now total nine.

Advisory firm Kroll, which took control of Crystal Jade's Singapore and Hong Kong operations on September 29, confirmed that the restructuring measures have been implemented. The terminated employees, who worked in the affected restaurants and certain corporate functions, will receive their final salaries and continue to serve their notice periods according to their employment contracts.

Both Kroll and Crystal Jade have been working with the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) since September 30 to assist affected workers.

FDAWU general secretary Sankaradass S. Chami expressed relief that the union was approached to support the affected employees. The union is working with NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and employer partners to help workers find new job opportunities in sectors such as food manufacturing, food services, hospitality, and wholesale and retail. Examples of these employer partners include Paris Baguette, Neo Group Bakery, and Din Tai Fung.

Crystal Jade's central kitchen in Singapore, Crystal Jade Food Manufacturing, ceased operations on October 5 as part of the company's broader restructuring efforts. Kroll representatives believe that further outlet closures in Singapore are unlikely.