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Ocean Empire Food Shop, a well-known Hong Kong congee restaurant chain that had been operating since 1992, announced its complete closure on Thursday, terminating all employment contracts effective immediately.

In a letter to staff, management cited deteriorating business conditions and financial difficulties as reasons for the decision to cease all operations, shut down all remaining outlets and offices, and enter creditor's voluntary liquidation.

Employees were advised to consult the Labour Department regarding their legal rights to claim outstanding wages, payment in lieu of notice, and severance payments, the letter read.

The chain, which once boasted over 30 locations at its peak, had seen a rapid decline in recent months. Five stores closed within an eight-month period, leaving just seven operating locations prior to Tuesday's announcement of complete closure.

Founded in 1992, Ocean Empire Food Shop became a familiar name for affordable, quick-service Chinese porridge and rice noodle dishes across Hong Kong.

Its sudden collapse marks the end of an era for the local dining scene and follows similar closures of other longstanding Hong Kong restaurant chains in recent years amid challenging economic conditions.

(Marco Lam)

Ocean Empire Food Shop closes after 33 years in business