E9: The truth behind recent F&B closures + reality of being a chef | Thriving as a F&B entrepreneur

2025 hasn't been the best year for F&B in Singapore, with multiple restaurants and chains closing down.

In today's episode, we sit down with Alex Chua and Jose Alonso from AC Concepts to discuss all things F&B. Are landlords are really to blame for the recent F&B closures? Are Home-based businesses unfairly competing with restaurants? What is it really like to work as a chef, and more.

Timestamps:

01:16 - Alex and Jose introduction

01:51 - What is AC concepts

03:50 - The reality of working as a chef

06:27 - How they decide on the menu

08:39 - “restaurant is not food”

13:58 - Singaporeans = experts on Japanese food?

18:53 - On F&B businesses shutting down

20:54 - On landlords raising rent

24:54 - Are people dining out less?

26:49 - Home-based businesses = competition?

30:02 - On Chinese brands like Haidilao and Mixue etc

32:41 - Is local hawker culture dying?

34:48 - Thoughts on food influencers/social media

36:43 - Final words of advice

 

 

Credits:

Written by: Daryl Choo and Andrew Wong

Hosted by: Lynette Koh and Andrew Wong

Edited by: Andrew Wong

Produced by: Daryl Choo

Send your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to thrivebt@sph.com.sg

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