Daniel Ong Shutting Last Dan’s Steaks Outlet: ‘It’s Going To Be Tough To Even Close With Dignity’
“I’m hoping our last months [of operation] will have enough [customer] support to pay off some closing debt,” he tells 8days.sg, referring to a “six-figure” sum. The impending closure of Dan’s Steaks at Serangoon Garden marks the ex-DJ’s exit from the F&B world.
Daniel Ong’s steakhouse chain Dan’s Steaks is set to close its last remaining outlet at Serangoon Garden in the coming months.
The 38-seat neighbourhood restaurant, which serves individual and sharing-sized beef cuts, opened in 2021. In its heyday, it boasted four outlets.
Daniel announced the impending closure in an Instagram post shared on the restaurant’s account on 28 Jul.
“Sadly, it looks like this will be our final chapter,” the 50-year-old wrote in the caption.
8days.sg reached out to Daniel and he tells us that the eatery’s exact closing date will be shared on the restaurant’s social media pages once details have been finalised.
No part of this story or photos can be reproduced without permission from 8days.sg.
“Sometimes, loving something isn’t enough”
Daniel attributed the impending closure to rising operating costs and growing competition in Singapore’s F&B scene.
“This isn’t because we’ve stopped loving what we do. If anything, we love it as much as ever,” he wrote.
“Sometimes, loving something isn’t enough,” he added in his Instagram post.
He explained that food, staffing and rental costs have continued to climb, making it “impossible to keep going sustainably” amid increasing competition.
Daniel also expressed his gratitude to the restaurant’s customers, employees, suppliers and business partners for supporting Dan’s Steaks over the years.
“Conditions are currently just too tough to even survive”
Speaking to 8days.sg, Daniel says the restaurant has faced year-on-year cost increases of at least 20 per cent.
“The conditions are currently just too tough to even survive, and the challenges unfortunately are not in our favour,” he says.
Hopes final months will help pay off closing “six-figure” debt
Despite the difficulties, Daniel says he feels “good and at peace” about the decision after the restaurant’s six-year run.
“Closing this chapter will stem monthly losses and maybe reduce my stress levels,” he tells 8days.sg.
However, winding down the restaurant will bring its own financial challenges.
“It’s going to be a tough ride to even close with dignity, so I’m hoping our last months will have enough [customer] support to pay off some closing debt,” he says, referring to a sum in the six-figure range.
When asked about the exact figure, he says: “It’s too sensitive [to reveal]. Six figures will suffice.”
“I will always love F&B”
Still, Daniel says the closure does not necessarily mark his permanent departure from the F&B industry.
“I will always love F&B,” he shares. “I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of returning in the future, here or abroad.”
Daniel now works full-time as a wellness coach
Dan’s Steaks is Daniel’s last remaining F&B venture. As of November 2025, he remained its founder and director but no longer handled its daily operations.
Over the years, he has also been involved in numerous F&B businesses, including Twelve Cupcakes, Rookery, Estuary, Mischief and craft beer brand Brewlander.
Daniel says he has been transitioning into wellness consulting over the past two years and has now decided to pursue it full-time alongside his wife, Fay Tan, 41.
“I’m finding great joy and satisfaction in helping my clients achieve better health and changing lives on a daily basis,” he says.
From home kitchen to four steak restaurants
Dan’s Steaks began in Daniel’s home kitchen during the Circuit Breaker in May 2020.
What started as him preparing meals for friends and family soon became a home-based business after word of his steaks spread. He eventually opened the first physical Dan’s Steaks restaurant in Serangoon Garden in April 2021.
Daniel told 8days.sg back then that he had invested “about a quarter of a million” dollars in the restaurant. He also personally cooked every steak served and handled much of the business himself, including its marketing, finances and renovation.
Dan’s Steaks later grew to four outlets, including branches at Upper East Coast Road, The Star Vista and Greenwood Avenue. Three have since closed, leaving the original Serangoon Gardens restaurant as its last remaining location.
“Six years ago, during Covid, Dan Steaks wasn’t part of a grand business plan,” he wrote in the Instagram post. “I simply loved cooking, and I loved feeding people.”
Serves steaks and Western comfort food, with no GST from 1 Aug
From 1 Aug, the restaurant will serve customers without charging GST.
Dan’s Steaks serves individual and sharing-sized beef cuts, including Sirloin Steak ($32), Fillet Tenderloin (from $38) and Black Angus Ribeye (from $41).
“Come by one last time”
Beyond steaks, the restaurant serves other western dishes such as Daniel’s favourite Holy Cow Beef Ragu ($22), Grandma’s Crispy Skin Chicken Thigh ($17), Pan-Seared Sea Bass ($27) and Dan’s Legendary Mac ’N’ Cheese ($15).
Before Dan’s Steaks closes its shutters for good, Daniel invites customers to return for one final meal.
“Come by one last time. Share a steak with your family. Order your favourite dish,” he wrote.
Dan’s Steaks Bar & Grill is located at 12 Maju Ave, S556690. Open Mon to Fri 11.30am–3pm and 5.30pm–10pm; Sat 9am–10pm; Sun 11.30am–10pm. More info via Instagram.
Photos: Dan’s Steaks, Alvin Teo
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