Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Singaporeans are almost used to seeing many of our favourite F&B haunts shutting down for good.
However, besides restaurants and hawker stalls, it would seem that even food courts aren’t immune from calling it a day.
The latest casualty is the Food Junction food court at Bugis Junction, which has already closed permanently.
The sad news was revealed in a Facebook post on Friday (3 Dec) by Food Junction.
They said they had a good run but had to shut down “with great sadness”.
The company also thanked customers for their patronage over the years.
The mall has had a food court since it opened in 1995.
Located on the 3rd floor, the Food Junction was unique for being incorporated into the architecture of Bugis Junction.
If you got a good seat, you could dine overlooking the air-conditioned shopping street below.
It was also the only air-conditioned food court in the 2 Bugis malls, as Bugis+ doesn’t have one.
The next nearest food court is in Bras Basah Complex or Raffles Hospital, and the nearest Food Junction is in Raffles City – 2 MRT stops away.
While the post didn’t give a reason for the closure, safe distancing measures due to Covid-19 have severely limited the number of seats available for patrons.
Some food courts have even ended up falling afoul of the rules and being punished with a suspension of dine-in.
Also, as their food is more expensive than that of hawker centres, it doesn’t make sense for patrons to dabao from food courts when they can get a similar but cheaper fare from hawkers.
When MS News visited the food court on 27 Nov – just a week before the closure – no seats were available despite the premises being only half-full of diners.
Many tables were empty as they were cordoned off due to safe distancing measures.
Bugis Junction hasn’t revealed whether another food court will take over the vacated space or if it will be converted to another type of shop.
However, at least for the time being, shoppers won’t be able to eat at an air-conditioned food court in the Bugis area.
We’ll miss the Food Junction, and it’ll be added to the list of shuttered local food havens that are probably victims of the pandemic.
But we’ll also look forward to finding out what will come next and hope they’ll be able to cope with the new normal.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Facebook and Google Maps.
It has been marketed online as a candy that helps with male sexual enhancement.
"POP MART does not have any official licensed partners in Singapore," it said.
51% of Singapore's average monthly rainfall in November fell in northern Singapore over less than…
He made sure all the passengers were served before taking a slice for himself.
The doctor recommended a 2-week gap between manicures to allow nails to recover.
The dog stayed with its owner until she was discharged.