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The restaurant owner Koh Choon Chye has attributed the closure to declining customers and increasingly unpredictable revenues, The Straits Times <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n He added since tourism rebounded after the Covid-19 pandemic and the Singapore dollar strengthened, more Singaporeans have chosen to spend school holidays and long weekends overseas rather than dining and shopping locally.<\/p>\n He also noted that many musicals and concerts previously staged at The Esplanade have moved to Marina Bay Sands, reducing visitor numbers in the area. In addition, road closures during major events such as the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix often made The Esplanade less accessible, further affecting business, Asia One<\/em> reported.<\/p>\n In a farewell message, the restaurant thanked its customers for their support over the years, saying it had been privileged to serve families, friends, students and office workers since opening.<\/p>\n Old School Delights was founded in 2010 at Upper Thomson Road before expanding to Esplanade Mall in 2017. A City Square Mall outlet opened in 2018 but closed a year later.<\/p>\n The restaurant currently employs five full-time staff members and several part-timers.<\/p>\n Koh said employees had been informed months earlier that closure was a possibility and were formally notified six weeks ago after the final decision was made.<\/p>\n Old School Delights joins a growing list of Singapore eateries that have shut down in recent months amid challenging business conditions.<\/p>\n French restaurant Encore by Rhubarb announced its closure on May 26 after 12 years in operation, while heritage restaurant Wing Seong Fatty’s and Peranakan eatery Nana Dolly’s are scheduled to close at the end of June.<\/p>\n According to statistics from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, 3,148 food businesses ceased operations in Singapore in 2025, up from 3,047 in 2024.<\/p>\n