Two Bakers in Lavender is closing down due to a rental hike and dwindling footfall, the owners said.
The cafe announced their mid-August closure via an Instagram post two weeks ago.
In the post, they had expressed their gratitude towards customers and reflected on their 11-year journey, stating: "This decision was incredibly difficult, as our journey here has been deeply intertwined with yours."
Speaking to AsiaOne today (June 19), Two Bakers shared that a "drastic" 35 per cent increase in rent coupled with fewer customers led to the decision.
"There used to be a healthy amount of small offices littered around the area. These offices have since been vacated and there has not been new tenants," they explained. "In addition, many people are still in hybrid work [arrangements]. Seeing that we aren't in a residential estate, that reduces footfall too."
That the lease is ending and the economy outlook is "uncertain" also make "good timing" for the closure, they added.
For those who aren't aware, Two Bakers is a pet-friendly cafe specialising in artisanal pastries and handcrafted rosti.
Items on their menu include the Omakase Dessert Box (from $28), various rosti dishes like Rosti Eggs Benny ($23) and other cafe favourites like pasta, brunch options and more.
They also serve food for pets.
The cafe is run by co-founders Jessica Yap and Erica Chin, both of whom are alumni of Le Cordon Bleu Paris.
Fans reacted to the Instagram announcement, with several expressing sadness for their closure.
"Sad to hear. Good memories. Been here in the very early stages of Two Bakers. Will drop by before it's closed," read one comment.
"Oh no... one of the OGs in Lavender cafes. Sad to see you go," another stated.
Pet owners who frequented the cafe were also reluctant to part with it.
"Oh no! We will miss you guys! It's such a nice indoor pet- and baby-friendly place! And of course we love the innovative pet food that we don't even get at home. Hope to see a bigger roaming store for us!" wrote a commenter.
Read another: "Oh no! We will miss you guys in the meantime! To a bigger pet-friendly space next!"
The cafe told AsiaOne this might not be goodbye for good.
They expressed that they plan on coming back and sticking around for at least another decade.
"We still want to keep the brand alive as it is much loved by many. Like our post said, we grew up and shared at least one chapter of our lives together! We will continue to be on a lookout to resume operations but we have to be patient for the right time and place so we can be around for another decade," Two Bakers shared.
And while their Omakase Dessert Box will only be available in-store and online until mid-August, fans will still be able to get their hands on some of their bakes after the closure.
According to the cafe, their Chinese New Year staples will continue to be available online.
