Rental is often the biggest expense for any F&B business in Singapore.
Many establishments have had to shut down due to high rental costs despite being well-patronised.
Beng Who Cooks, a restaurant at 39 Neil Road, has now become the latest casualty after their rent was increased by 60%.
Source: Google Maps
If the name doesn’t ring a bell, you might remember them as the hawker stall that donated meals to the needy during the ‘Circuit Breaker’.
In a Facebook post on 30 Sep, Beng Who Cooks announced that they would be closing on Saturday (15 Oct).
Source: Beng Who Cooks on Facebook
Those who want to see them off can attend their Moving Out Party on 14 and 15 Oct.
They will also host exclusive omakase dining at S$90 per person for five days from 17 to 21 Oct. Pre-book the dinners here.
While they promised that they’ll be back, they struck a note of uncertainty by adding, “Maybe… I don’t know.”
As for why they’re closing, founder Jason Chua told Shin Min Daily News that the main reason was due to the rental increase.
His two-year rental contract is due to expire at the end of Oct, the 30-year-old revealed.
When they were discussing the renewal, the landlord asked for a whopping 60% increase, Mr Chua said.
That would have raised the amount from a four-figure sum to a five-figure sum, he added.
Source: Google Maps
Another difficulty faced was a familiar one in the F&B industry — a shortage of manpower.
Currently, the restaurant has just three full-time staff — Mr Chua, his partner Hung Zhen Long and a chef.
Source: @bengwhocooks on Instagram
Besides them, he relies on six student part-timers.
As school has restarted for them, the business is now understaffed.
Mr Chua, who has a child aged six months old, told AsiaOne that that also played a part in his decision to close.
As he’s working more than 100 hours a week, he hasn’t been able to spend much time with his family.
Thus, the rental increase was ostensibly the last straw.
He saw it as a sign that it was time to take a break, he said.
Beng Who Cooks started out as a hawker stall serving protein bowls at Hong Lim Market and Food Centre.
Source: Beng Who Cares Foundation on Instragram
During the ‘Circuit Breaker’ in 2020, they memorably gave out free meals to anyone in need despite suffering from a dip in business themselves.
Mr Chua and his friends also set up the Beng Who Cares Foundation, delivering free meals to the needy who send a message to them.
The earnest young men did this completely out of goodwill, and from their own pockets.
They ended up distributing over 50 free meals to Singaporeans every day, and 25,000 in total during the ‘Circuit Breaker’.
For these efforts, Mr Chua and Mr Hung each received a special commendation for the President’s Volunteerism and Philanthropy Awards 2020 Special Edition.
Source: Beng Who Cooks on Instagram
In Nov 2020, Beng Who Cooks moved into 39 Neil Road, and became a fusion-food restaurant.
Unfortunately, after a two-year run, they’ll have to shutter despite their business possibly picking up after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.
It’s really sad that an F&B business that has done so much for the needy in Singapore has to close down.
Looks like even an award-winning force for good in society can’t escape the vagaries of high rental costs.
If you want to support Beng Who Cooks one last time, here are their details to note:
Address: 39 Neil Road, Singapore 088823
Phone: 9339 8445
Opening hours: 10.30am-3pm, 5.30-10.30pm (Mon-Sat), 10.30am-3pm (Sun)
Nearest MRT: Outram Park
Socials: Website, Facebook & Instagram
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Google Maps and @bengwhocooks on Instagram.
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