Hong Kong seafood restaurant Super Star closes last branch, leaving 50 workers in limbo
About 50 employees seeking help to recover about HK$6 million owed, according to labour authorities
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 sought to recover about HK$6 million (US$764,000) in unpaid wages and dismissal compensation.
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,” it said.
“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.”
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.