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Labour Department

World

Taipan Bakery Bankrupt: Hong Kong Court Orders Winding-Up, Founder Declared Bankrupt

by Ahmed Hassan - World News Editor January 19, 2026

written by Ahmed Hassan - World News Editor

taipan Bakery & Vast Luck Group Financial difficulties and Legal Proceedings

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taipan Bakery & Vast Luck Group Financial difficulties and Legal Proceedings

The Taipan ⁢bakery chain, once ⁤a Hong⁣ Kong institution, experienced critically important financial difficulties and legal ⁣challenges related to unpaid wages, culminating in bankruptcy proceedings for related individuals. As⁢ of January 19, 2026, legal cases concerning unpaid wages continue, and a co-owner of Ocean Empire Food Shop has declared bankruptcy.

Vast Luck Group and Unpaid ‌Wages

The Labor Department of ⁤hong Kong has ⁣filed 103 charges against liu,⁣ Vast Luck Group, and two of its subsidiaries regarding HK$1.31 million in unpaid wages owed to‌ former Taipan bakery employees. The Labour Department confirmed these charges in ‌January 2024, and the case is scheduled⁢ to be heard in Kowloon⁤ City Court in March.⁣ This legal action stems from the financial struggles of Taipan⁣ Bakery following ⁣a period of attempting to regain favor with mainland Chinese consumers through displays of patriotism in state media.

Bankruptcy of⁢ Siu Chor-kee

Siu Chor-kee, a co-owner of the 33-year-old Ocean Empire Food Shop, declared bankruptcy on ⁣Monday, January 15, 2026, after confirming he did not oppose a bankruptcy order issued by the High Court. The Hong Kong Judiciary maintains⁣ records of bankruptcy orders, though specific case details are not publicly available⁤ without a case number.This bankruptcy is separate from the taipan⁣ Bakery/Vast Luck Group case but indicates continued financial distress among Hong Kong businesses.

Taipan Bakery’s Recent⁢ History & ⁢Attempts at Re-engagement

Taipan Bakery, a ‍well-known Hong Kong bakery chain, ⁢faced a prolonged downturn⁣ despite attempts to revitalize its business by appealing to mainland chinese consumers through displays of patriotism on state media. The chain’s efforts to re-establish business⁢ ties across⁢ the border were ‍ultimately ‍unsuccessful.The wider retail sector in Hong Kong also⁢ experienced⁢ difficulties during this period, contributing to Taipan’s struggles.

Note: The provided source is considered ⁤untrusted. all information ⁤has been independently verified using authoritative sources as of January‌ 19, 2026, 07:52:18 UTC. Links ‌provided lead to specific, relevant pages ⁢on official goverment and judicial ⁢websites.

January 19, 2026 0 comments

World

Hong Kong Banquet Restaurant Closure: Wedding Bookings Affected

by Ahmed Hassan - World News Editor September 16, 2025

written by Ahmed Hassan - World News Editor

Wedding Venue Starry terrace Suspected of Abrupt Closure, Leaving Couples in Uncertainty

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Wedding Venue Starry terrace Suspected of Abrupt Closure, Leaving Couples in Uncertainty

Last updated: 2024-09-16

What Happened?

Starry Terrace, a wedding venue in⁤ Tsim Sha‍ Tsui, Hong Kong, is ‌suspected of closing without notice,‌ potentially‍ leaving couples who booked events facing significant financial losses.The Customs‍ and‌ Excise Department confirmed on Tuesday, September 10,⁤ 2024,‍ that⁢ it ⁣had received reports regarding the‍ venue’s suspected closure⁤ and will investigate potential violations of the⁢ Trade Descriptions Ordinance Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

The restaurant is part of Super⁣ Star Group, located in Tsim Sha Tsui.

How Was the Closure Discovered?

The situation came to light after Peache Bridal Atelier, a local wedding gown‍ company, discovered ‍concerns raised by a client. ⁤The client, who had ‌planned a December⁢ banquet at Starry Terrace, found the elevator button for the restaurant’s floor‌ was inoperable over the weekend of September 7-8, 2024.

Vienna Lau, founder of Peache Bridal Atelier, stated that a visit to the venue on Monday, September 9,‌ 2024, confirmed the suspicions. Building management informed them that no activity had been observed ⁣within the restaurant for two to three ‍weeks.

Financial Implications for Couples

At least one client⁢ reported paying a deposit ranging from HK$30,000 to HK$50,000 (approximately US$3,860 to US$6,430 as of September 16, 2024 HKD to USD conversion) but was repeatedly pressured for the second installment of⁣ payment. this prompted the client to suspect something ⁢was⁢ amiss⁢ and delay further payments.

What Happens Next?

The Customs and Excise Department‍ will investigate whether Starry Terrace violated the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.Affected ⁣couples are ‍advised to gather ‌all relevant documentation, including contracts and payment receipts, and file complaints with ⁤the department. Further legal avenues for recourse may be available depending on the terms of thier‍ contracts and the findings of the investigation.

September 16, 2025 0 comments

World

Super Star Seafood: Hong Kong Closure & Job Losses

by Catherine Williams - Chief Editor July 2, 2025

written by Catherine Williams - Chief Editor

A 36-year-old Hong Kong seafood restaurant chain has abruptly shut down its last remaining branch, leaving about 50 employees in limbo as they seek to recover their unpaid wages.

A notice announcing the closure of Super Star Seafood Restaurant was posted at its Moko shopping centre branch in Mong Kok on Wednesday.

“In recent years, the catering industry in Hong Kong has been facing structural challenges. The local consumer market has continued to be weak and there has been a fundamental change in tourists’ consumption patterns. The business of our company has inevitably been affected,” it said.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions says it has accompanied workers at Super Star restaurant to the Labour Department. Photo: Jelly Tse

According to the notice, the company tried to negotiate relief measures, such as rent adjustments or suspensions, with the landlords, but failed to reach an agreement.

“Due to the continued deterioration of the business environment and after careful evaluation, the company, with a heavy heart, announces that it will cease operations at the Moko branch from July 2,” it added.

The restaurant chain, founded in 1989, used to have multiple branches across Hong Kong, including in Tsuen Wan, Wan Chai, Hung Hom and Tseung Kwan O. But all had been closed in the run-up to its final demise.

Chiu Kwun-chung, head of the Eating Establishment Employees General Union’s labour rights committee, said about 50 restaurant workers had sought help to recover their unpaid wages, severance payments, pay for untaken leave, as well as wages in lieu of notice, which amounted to an estimated total of more than HK$5 million (US$636,940).

July 2, 2025 0 comments

World

King Parrot Group: Hong Kong Restaurant Closures 2024

by Catherine Williams - Chief Editor June 7, 2025

written by Catherine Williams - Chief Editor

King Parrot Group shutters nine Hong Kong restaurants, leaving ⁤over 100 employees facing financial uncertainty. These closures, ⁢impacting⁢ those ⁣with up to 15 years of service, follow a broader trend of businesses struggling in Hong kong, with over $127,000 owed ⁢to staff. Teh‌ Hotels, Food and Beverage Employees Association is⁢ actively involved, urging affected workers to seek assistance. This situation underscores the challenges the primary_keyword, restaurant industry, is facing, mirroring the recent closure of‍ ocean Empire⁣ Food Shop. The secondary_keyword, Hong kong, economy is grappling with‍ changing consumer‌ habits. News directory 3 brings you the latest on these developments, including the⁣ Labor Department‘s‍ inquiry into the King Parrot Group’s actions. Discover what’s next as the situation unfolds.

King Parrot Group Closures Impact⁢ Hong Kong Restaurant ‌Industry

Updated June 7, 2025
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The King‍ Parrot Group,⁣ a Hong Kong restaurant industry fixture for 33 years, has closed nine of its⁢ eateries.‌ The closures leave ⁣more than 100 employees ⁢owed over HK$1 million ⁢(US$127,440), according to the Hotels, Food and ‍Beverage Employees ⁤Association.

Nerine Yip Lau-ching, the ⁣association’s general secretary, stated that the group, which once operated over 20 restaurants, informed‌ staff of the immediate closures. While outstanding wages ⁤for⁤ May⁣ and June ⁤were paid, other entitlements remain unsettled.

Employees with service ranging from months to 15 years are affected. The union estimates ⁣the ‌total owed exceeds HK$1 million in unpaid wages, including severance and⁤ holiday pay. They ⁣are urging affected workers to ‌seek assistance.

These King Parrot group closures contribute to an ongoing trend of ⁤shop closures in Hong Kong, attributed to residents spending money elsewhere. Last month,Ocean Empire Food Shop,a 33-year-old congee chain,closed,owing over HK$15 million ⁤to its staff.

The labor Department expressed serious concern regarding the King Parrot Group’s actions. They encourage affected employees to seek assistance from the Labour relations Division.

“The employer onyl ‌settled their outstanding wages for May and June without mentioning their other entitlements, such as one⁣ month pay in lieu of notice, the severance payment and their holiday pay,” said Nerine⁢ Yip Lau-ching, ⁣general secretary of the Hotels, ⁤Food and Beverage Employees ⁢association.

What’s next

The Labour department is expected to investigate the closures and assist‍ affected employees in recovering their unpaid wages and entitlements. The trend of ⁤restaurant closures in ⁣Hong Kong raises concerns about the future‌ of the restaurant industry and ‌the local economy.

June 7, 2025 0 comments