End of an era: Daniel's Restaurant to close last branch in Mei Foo on May 29

Hong Kong's culinary landscape is known for its fierce competition, and even well-established eateries find it challenging to navigate market fluctuations. The final chapter for Daniel's Restaurant unfolded recently when its last operating branch in Mei Foo announced it would shut down on May 29, signaling the end of the brand's longstanding presence.

A member of a Facebook group about Mei Foo shared the news of Daniel's Restaurant's imminent closure. The post featured a photo of a notice displayed outside the restaurant, which stated that the lease had expired and the restaurant would proudly close, expressing gratitude to the community for 44 years of support since 1981. The post indicated that this was likely the last branch of the chain, sparking a wave of discussion among group members.

The announcement elicited mixed reactions online. Some netizens expressed their sadness with crying emojis, while others lamented the dwindling dining options in Mei Foo, expressing hope for new culinary ventures to fill the void. However, a few were not surprised by the closure, criticizing the restaurant's quality and lack of amenities such as air conditioning, suggesting these factors contributed to its decline.

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Employees aware of impending closure

Daniel's Restaurant had been a fixture in the local dining scene for 44 years, and its employees had been aware of the impending closure for some time. According to an employee who spoke to "Sing Tao Daily," The Standard's sister publication, the staff had been informed about the closure well in advance, and it did not come as a surprise. He mentioned that with the restaurant's complete shutdown, the name Daniel's Restaurant would now become a part of history.

Originally starting as a dessert shop, Daniel's evolved into a beloved Hong Kong-style diner that catered to a wide range of tastes. At its height, the chain boasted 24 branches across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories and had even expanded into retail with packaged foods under their brand.

However, recent years have been tough for the brand, especially with the downturn in the food industry. Following the closure of its Tin Shui Wai branch last year, the Mei Foo location was the only one left. Unfortunately, it could not sustain operations for more than six months, leading to the ultimate closure of the chain.

(Prashan Limbu)