A popular 33-year-old congee restaurant chain has announced the closure of all its locations due to worsening operating and financial conditions, joining a growing wave of shop shutdowns in Hong Kong.
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Ocean Empire Food Shop, held by Ocean Empire International Limited, informed its staff members of its decision in a letter on Wednesday night.
“The management regrettably decided to terminate all its business operations and will close down all its shops and offices on [Wednesday] due to worsening operating environment and the company’s deteriorating financial situation, among other factors,” the company’s board said.
“With the termination of the business, the company will subsequently proceed with liquidation by way of voluntary winding up by creditors.”
The board also said that employment contracts ended on Wednesday and people could make claims over outstanding wages, payment in lieu of notice, accrued annual leave and severance pay. They could also ask the Labour Department about claim matters.
Founded in 1992, Ocean Empire was known for its Cantonese congees, as well as Chinese fried dough sticks and rice noodle rolls, dishes typically served in a Chinese-style breakfast.
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The company, claiming to be Hong Kong’s first congee chain, had more than 30 branches at its peak, but was left with just seven, including those in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Kwun Tong, Mei Foo and Fanling.