Hong Kong's long-standing Ocean Empire congee chain ceases operations at all locations, concluding a 33-year run.
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Hong Kong's Beloved Congee Chain Guts Its operation, Owing Workers a Shocking HK$8 Million!
Man, talk about a cold bowl of jook! Ocean Empire Food Shop, a 33-year-old congee empire in Hong Kong, torchered the town with the news of its sudden shutdown. And here's the kicker — it's fleecing its employees for HK$8 million (roughly $1.03 million USD) in unpaid wages!
Yep, you heard it right. The company sent employees packing, blaming brutal operating conditions and financial woes thrown at them like a boiling wok full of trouble. They shut all stores and offices last Wednesday, with theSRSLY awful news that the company's heading for liquidation by way of a voluntary winding up by creditors.
"You've been jooked!" the employees were told in a letter. Guts, eh? But wait, there's more. The company informed them that their employment contracts had ceased from that very moment, with workers entitled to file claims for unpaid wages, payment in lieu of notice, accrued annual leave, and severance pay.
But hey, don't worry your pretty little heads about it! The Hong Kong Labour Department's got your back, mates. The department claims it's already helping over 80 team members with claims totaling HK$8 million. That's a whole lotta jook, if you ask me!
Mind you, it ain't all their fault. A char siu supplier's still waiting on payment from Ocean Empire, leaving a trail of financial obligations behind. But hey, who cares about suppliers when it's all about the money, am I right?
So there you have it, folks. Another Hong Kong shop bites the dust, leaving employees high and dry with a huge debt against them. Guess we'll just have to make do with a DIY congee breakfast from now on. Yum!
Enrichment Data (Introduction):Ocean Empire Food Shop, one of the well-known congee chains, shuttered its doors in Hong Kong on May 7, 2025, owing its workers a staggering HK$8 million in unpaid wages. The company's parent company, Ocean Empire International Limited, blamed worsening operating and financial conditions, subsequently leading to a creditors' voluntary liquidation process to address outstanding debts.
Enrichment Data (Conclusion):In summary, Ocean Empire Food Shop abruptly closed all outlets, leaving employees with outstanding wage claims, prompting them to consult the Hong Kong Labour Department. The company will provide information regarding compensation amounts and claim procedures soon. Some suppliers, including a char siu supplier, are still waiting on payment from Ocean Empire.
- The sudden shutdown of Ocean Empire Food Shop, a 33-year-old congee empire in Hong Kong, has left its employees owing a shocking HK$8 million in unpaid wages, kickstarting a tough environment for workers in the food-and-drink business.
- Despite the financial struggles faced by Ocean Empire Food Shop, it's important to prioritize the welfare of employees during liquidation, ensuring they receive their due severance pay, payment in lieu of notice, and accrued annual leave.
- In an economically volatile climate, the business sector needs to reexamine its practices and strive for a more balanced approach between company growth and social responsibility, making lifestyle improvements a key focus in food-and-drink outlets.
- Unfortunately, the unfortunate incident involving Ocean Empire Food Shop highlights the importance of financial management and transparency in the business world, as unpaid debts can significantly impact the lives and livelihoods of suppliers, employees, and ultimately the customers.
- As Ocean Empire Food Shop faces the consequences of its liquidation, the Hong Kong business community can learn from the lessons it provides and work towards creating a more responsible and sustainable environment for both food-and-drink businesses and the local community.
