Founder Bak Kut Teh Closing Bugis Branch, Opening China Franchise Outlet Instead

It has been a tough few months for Founder Bak Kut Teh. The beleaguered local bak kut teh chain first made headlines in July when its second-generation owner, Nigel Chua, issued an open plea on social media. In the plea, the 45-year-old called for public support to save his Covid-19-hit business, which he said was in imminent danger of closing “if we don't turn around in the next two months”. The chain, popular with tourists and stars like Jay Chou, saw a drastic drop in customers after Singapore closed its borders during the pandemic.