Taiwanese Bakery Chain 85°C Exits Hong Kong After 14 Years
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Taiwanese bakery and café chain 85°C has completely withdrawn from the Hong Kong market after 14 years of operations. The company, which entered the city in 2012 through a joint venture with local food and beverage giant Café de Coral, saw its final two stores in Kwai Fong and Yau Tong close without prior announcement. The Labour Department has reminded affected employers of their statutory obligations regarding termination compensation.
Key Points
- 85°C was founded in Taiwan in 2004, opening its first store in Yonghe District, New Taipei City, and expanded to 300 outlets within just three years
- The chain entered Hong Kong in August 2012 through a joint venture with Café de Coral, with its first two stores opening on August 2 in Prince Edward (Lai Chi Kok Road) and South Horizons
- Café de Coral withdrew from the joint venture after approximately three years of operation, leaving 85°C to continue independently
- By March 2026, only three stores remained in Hong Kong: Hing Tin Estate shopping mall, Kwai Fong Plaza, and Yau Tong's Major Centre
- HK01 reporters found both Kwai Fong and Yau Tong stores closed on September 1-2, with shelves cleared and no closure notices posted
- The Labour Department has urged affected employees to contact its Labour Relations Division if wages or employment rights are owed
Why It Matters
The exit of 85°C marks another setback for Taiwan brand expansion in Hong Kong's competitive food and beverage market, where rising rents and changing consumer preferences have squeezed many chains. With employees potentially left without clear recourse, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about worker protection in the retail and dining sectors during economic uncertainty.
The exit of 85°C marks another setback for Taiwan brand expansion in Hong Kong's competitive food and beverage market, where rising rents and changing consumer preferences have squeezed many chains. With employees potentially left without clear recourse, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about worker protection in the retail and dining sectors during economic uncertainty.