On May 15, the Dome Cafe website posted on their Facebook account that they would be closing the last branch of the franchise in Singapore on June 23, 2019. According to the post, they had spent 26 years open in Singapore. Dome Cafe was one of the first places that served specialty coffee in Singapore, and now they are closing just like a lot of other popular franchises.
Their caption said, “Thank you for 26 years of awesome memories! Our last outlet in Singapore at Parkway Parade will cease operations after 23 June 2019. We hope to reminisce with you over one (or many) last coffee in the next few weeks.”
What is Dome Cafe?
Dome Cafe is a franchise that serves Australian cuisine, focusing mainly on brunch items such as salads, pasta, and sandwiches. A lot of other restaurant franchises have been closing in Singapore, such as Kenny Rogers, Chili’s, Dazzling Cafe and even Pablo Cheese Tart. While Singaporeans do love their food (both hawker-style and inside restaurants), the food and beverage industry has undoubtedly changed in the past few years. Perhaps some traditionally-lead brands are unable to keep up with others.
According to their Facebook post, “Dome Cafe is an all-day eatery, serving modern Australian cuisine and coffees. The menu focuses on using good produce to create wholesome pastas, sandwiches and salads. We pride ourselves in striving to provide good food and a welcoming space for our customers.”
“The food and beverage scene have (sic) evolved tremendously since the first Dome Cafe opened in Singapore over twenty years ago,” said Rebecca Lim, Managing Director of Suntec F&B Holdings Pte Ltd, the F&B arm of Dome’s holding group, Ministry of Culture. “We, as a group, have to progress with the times to stay relevant in this competitive industry. We will be channelling our resources to concepts that are aligned with the interests and welfare of the customers we serve.”
What do Singaporeans have to say about this latest closure?
Some commenters said that the last branch would be overrun with bloggers and people who post prolifically on Instagram and other social media sites. Will the last few weeks of Dome Cafe be that well-documented?
While this commenter did not take the closure that seriously, and that similar places or even close brands may take up the name and instead crop up all over the place.
This commenter thought that the cost of manpower is what caused the restaurant to close. Perhaps no one wanted to work for the usual rates?
This person, on the other hand, wants to reminisce and is planning to fall in line (and is anticipating a long line as well).
What Golden Age could this commenter be talking about?
Some commenters were also mentioning their favorite branches during the 1990’s.
What does Dome Cafe have in store for its last few weeks in operation?
The cafe promises to bring back “fan favorites” like the Original Club Sandwich ($16) and iced mocha with ice cream ($6.90).
Dome Cafe @ Parkway Parade
80 Marine Parade Road, #01-69A/K5/K6, Parkway Parade, Singapore 449269
+65 6348 8498
Daily: 9:00am – 9:30pm (last order: 9:00pm)
Nearest Station: Eunos
