HK bakery chain Taipan Bread & Cakes shuts down after 40 years

Hong Kong-based bakery chain Taipan Bread & Cakes (大班麵包西餅), which has been operating for over 40 years, has shut down all its branches in the city. 

This comes after the bakery chain shut down three branches at Choi Hung, Tai Wai, and Whampoa MTR stations on Sunday (22 June) due to unpaid rent, according to HK01 and The Standard. 

This morning (24 June), all Taipan branches posted closing notices outside their stores, stating that the company will cease operations immediately due to encountering numerous unpredictable and unavoidable challenges. Taipan has thanked customers and business partners for their years of support and love, while also apologising for the inconvenience caused. 

According to Taipan's official website, the brand has 12 outlets across Hong Kong. 

Meanwhile, the Hotels, Food & Beverage Employees Association (酒店及餐飲從業員協會) stated on its Facebook page that it has recently received requests for assistance from several Taipan employees, who reported that the company is withholding their May salaries, as well as annual leave and overtime pay. Some employees have already reached out to the Labour Department for help.

The association has contacted about 10 employees, according to HK01. Some employees said that the company has been late with salary payments for several months, though the length of the delays has not been as significant as it is now.

Last month, the owner of the Mong Kok branch of Tai Pan Bakery filed a lawsuit in the High Court, claiming that a three-year lease was signed for a shop space at a monthly rent of HK$95,000, according to on.cc. Since 28 January 2025, Tai Pan has accrued HK$380,000 in unpaid rent and over HK$15,000 in unpaid property rates, bringing the total owed, including interest, to over HK$402,000.

Established in 1984, Taipan opened its first store in Ngau Tau Kok. Initially focused on bread and pastries, it gained recognition in 1989 with the launch of the snowy mooncake (冰皮月餅). This innovative version of traditional mooncakes, known for its refreshing texture and variety of flavours, became the company's signature product.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Taipan for a statement. 

Don’t miss: HK's Ocean Empire Food Shop ceases ops after 33 years

In recent years, the Hong Kong culinary scene has seen more and more restaurant groups and eateries close stores due to fierce competition within the food and beverage industry. For example, Hong Kong restaurant chain Daniel’s Restaurant's last operating branch in Mei Foo closed down in late May.

In the same month, the Hong Kong-based congee restaurant chain Ocean Empire Food Shop shut down its operations. Additionally, the restaurant group terminated all employee contracts.

Photo courtesy: Hotels, Food & Beverage Employees Association’s official Facebook page

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