S1.C13. TELL ME WHY - Burger and Lobster
Burger & Lobster bids farewell to Singapore, closing its last outlet at Jewel Changi Airport, marking the end of its local presence.
Burger & Lobster, the renowned London-based restaurant chain, officially exited the Singapore market with the closure of its last remaining outlet at Jewel Changi Airport on March 10, 2025. This followed the shutdown of its Raffles Hotel branch in late 2024, marking the end of the brand’s presence in the country.
To mark its departure, the Jewel outlet launched a farewell promotion offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on its signature lobster rolls. The offer was limited to 200 sets per day, available exclusively for dine-in customers who mentioned the code "Roll on" at the restaurant.
While Burger & Lobster did not provide an official reason for the closure, industry analysts point to a combination of high operational costs, particularly rental fees at Jewel Changi Airport, and shifting consumer preferences as possible factors. Additionally, in April 2024, the outlet was fined S$3,000 following a 2022 food safety incident, where over 130 diners reported gastroenteritis symptoms. This may have contributed to a decline in patronage and impacted the brand’s reputation.
The closure of Burger & Lobster underscores the challenges international F&B brands face in Singapore, from navigating premium rental costs to maintaining strong consumer engagement and food safety standards in an increasingly competitive dining landscape.
Exploring Burger & Lobster’s departure from Singapore through three different lenses:
Did Burger & Lobster Bite Off More Than It Could Chew?
Was Burger & Lobster’s exit from Singapore inevitable due to high costs and shifting consumer preferences, or could better market adaptation have kept it afloat?
A Tough Shell to Crack?
Did Burger & Lobster underestimate the challenges of Singapore’s competitive F&B landscape, or was it simply a victim of rising operational expenses? What does this say about international brands entering the market?
If Burger & Lobster Made a Comeback…
What would it take for Burger & Lobster to thrive in Singapore again? A smaller footprint, localized menu, or a fresh brand strategy?
Provide the question# on your comment when you answer.
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The high operational costs is a compulsory from the very beggining ( even when the day it was founded), why the collapse didn’t happen before?
1. The location doesnt always guarantee success. Putting the restaurant at a place with high flow of people doesnt always mean the business will be successful
2. High operational costs are a significant factor. The high rental costs of the place caused them to shut down
3.Shifting in consumer preferences - and food safety incidents. these two factors have caused a decline in brand reputation
4. High pricing - competition with lower costs take over and cause customers to shift over to them
5.They relied on brand recognition, they didnt really customize and adapt to what the singaporean customers want