Mahjong, art fairs: F&B businesses look beyond food to attract diners

In Singapore, some food and beverage (F&B) businesses are expanding their offerings to attract diners as consumer spending weakens and operating costs rise. At Yum Cha, a Chinatown restaurant, they introduced Mahjong Social Fridays in August, where customers can play mahjong during slower hours. This initiative has been popular, with sessions fully booked for October and extending into November. Executives hope this will draw younger crowds and create a community of repeat customers.

Similarly, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery in Katong hosted an art and book fair in collaboration with an independent bookstore to attract younger consumers during its usual closing time. This event, a first for the heritage kopitiam, transformed its dining space into a marketplace featuring local artists. The cafe's senior strategy lead believes tougher market conditions require F&B businesses to think outside the box and provide unique experiences to remain competitive.

These initiatives come as F&B sales in Singapore fell 1.6% year-on-year in August, with cafes recording the steepest drop of 5.3%. Analysts suggest consumers are becoming more selective about dining out due to rising costs.