Crystal Jade’s troubles deepen: 9 restaurants left, central kitchen shut, & 120 jobs gone

Crystal Jade, a once-booming Chinese restaurant chain in Singapore, faces further turmoil as receivers Kroll prepare the company for sale. The firm has closed another four outlets in the city-state, leaving just nine restaurants operational. No additional closures are anticipated according to Channel News Asia. The affected locations include Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao branches at Bugis Junction, Toa Payoh, and i12 Katong, as well as a Crystal Jade GO outlet at Punggol Oasis Terrace.

All four establishments ceased operations on Tuesday, October 6. Approximately 120 employees across these sites and some corporate functions were terminated following the closures.

The reorganization of Crystal Jade's Singapore business, aimed at facilitating a proposed sale, led to these mass layoffs. Kroll, appointed as receivers on September 29, stated that the restaurant premises will be returned to their respective landlords. All terminated employees will receive their final salaries and compensation in line with their employment contracts. Around 210 staff members will remain employed by Crystal Jade's Singapore holding company post-restructuring.

Crystal Jade's troubles extend beyond the Singapore closures. The company's central kitchen, Crystal Jade Food Manufacturing, ceased operations on October 5, outside the scope of the receivership. Kroll explained that the decision to close the facility was part of the broader restructuring efforts. The group has been liaising with the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) and other associations since September 30 to support affected employees.

2026 has been a challenging year for Crystal Jade. Earlier this year, the restaurant chain had already closed five outlets in Singapore, located in Hillion Mall, Suntec City, The Clementi Mall, Jurong Point, and Great World. The company is also currently facing a court charge for its late submission of the FY2025 income tax return, potentially facing a fine of up to S$5,000. Despite its rapid growth in the 1990s, Crystal Jade's presence in Singapore has dwindled to approximately 100 restaurants across 25 cities.