Tai Pan Bread & Cakes, a well-known Hong Kong bakery chain, announced the immediate closure of all its branches today, citing “unforeseen and unavoidable challenges.” Notices posted at multiple locations, including Mong Kok, Kwai Fong, North Point, and Jardine’s Bazaar, confirmed the company’s cessation of operations, leaving many customers and employees dismayed.
The closure follows reports of financial difficulties, including unpaid rent and delayed salary payments. Several Tai Pan outlets, such as those at MTR stations in Choi Hung, Tai Wai, and Whampoa, had already shuttered earlier. The company’s headquarters in San Po Kong also displayed the same closure notice, with no staff seen entering or exiting the premises.
Financial Woes and Employee Concerns
Tai Pan had been grappling with financial issues for months. Landlords of several branches, including the Mong Kok outlet, filed claims for unpaid rent, with one case citing over HK$400,000 in arrears since January 2025. Employees also reported salary delays, with some claiming the company had failed to pay May wages. The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) noted that at least 10 employees from four still-operating branches raised concerns about unpaid salaries, with delays extending beyond previous instances.
The Labour Department confirmed on June 23 that it had received complaints from affected workers and is providing assistance. The department stated that under the Employment Ordinance, employers must pay wages within seven days of the end of a wage period. It warned that violations could lead to criminal investigations and prosecutions if sufficient evidence is found.
Legacy and Ownership Changes
Founded in 1984 by pastry industry veteran Kwok Hung-kwan, Tai Pan Bread & Cakes gained fame for introducing “snowy mooncakes” in 1989, revolutionizing the traditional mooncake market. The Kwok family sold the business in 2021 to Liao Chi-keung, chairman of the Hung Wo Group.
The sudden closure has left customers nostalgic and employees uncertain about their future. Many gathered outside shuttered branches to read the closure notices, expressing regret over the loss of a beloved local brand.
For further inquiries regarding employee rights, affected workers are advised to contact the Labour Department.