Orange & Teal Cafe Closes Last Outlet in Singapore
The Closure of Orange & Teal: A Chapter Ends, But Not a Story
Orange & Teal, the cafe founded by Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) leader Chee Soon Juan and his wife, has officially closed its previous outlet located at Marina Square. This marks the end of an era for the café, which had been in operation for over four years. The news was announced on its Facebook and Instagram pages on Tuesday, November 11. Although no specific closing date was provided, a search on Google revealed that the location is now listed as “permanently closed.”
The closure comes with a message of gratitude and optimism from the cafe. “While this chapter comes to a close, we do so with gratitude and optimism. We are happy we started Orange & Teal, and just as happy to leave it on our own terms—knowing its spirit of courage, warmth and connection will live on,” the statement read.
To celebrate the final days of the café, Orange & Teal is running a “cash & carry” sale from November 11 to 13. Customers can purchase items and decor from the cafe during this period.
Challenges Faced by the Café
The Marina Square outlet, which opened in August 2022, faced significant challenges due to rising operational costs. This led to its closure in October 2024. Chee Soon Juan had previously shared his struggles with running the business, describing it as physically demanding and financially difficult. He cited high rents and manpower shortages as key factors contributing to the difficulties.
The first Orange & Teal outlet was launched at Rochester Mall in June 2021. It was envisioned as a space for community engagement and meaningful conversations. However, the Rochester Mall outlet has also since closed, leaving the café with no active locations.
Despite the closure, the café’s parting message suggests that this may not be the end of the story. “This is not goodbye, only until next time,” the statement said. “We look forward to picking up where we left off on another day.”
A New Beginning or Just a Pause?
While Orange & Teal is officially ending its food and beverage operations, the future remains uncertain. The café’s message leaves room for hope that it may return in some form in the future. However, no official plans have been announced yet.
Chee Soon Juan and his wife have not yet responded to further inquiries about the closure. Vulcan Post has reached out to the café and Chee for more information.
Other Cafés Facing Similar Struggles
Orange & Teal is not the only café to face closure in recent times. In a similar case, Twelve Cupcakes abruptly shut down without prior notice to its union and 80 affected staff. This highlights the challenges many small businesses face in maintaining sustainability in the current economic climate.
Final Thoughts
The closure of Orange & Teal represents the end of a unique venture that aimed to bring people together through food and conversation. While the physical space may be closing, the spirit of the café may continue to inspire others. As the café looks to the future, it leaves behind a legacy of courage, warmth, and connection.
