The Star Seafood Restaurant Group, renowned for its signature roast goose and a veteran of Hong Kong’s culinary scene since 2000, has closed its Star Royal Palace outlet in Fanling’s Cheung Hua Plaza. The closure, effective last Friday (October 16), is the fourth the chain has executed in 2023, leaving residents disheartened and highlighting the fragility of traditional eateries.
From Expansion to Contraction
The group built its reputation on classic Cantonese fare across multiple brands: Star Seafood Restaurant, Star Seafood Roast Goose Specialist, and Star Golden Palace. However, this year has seen rapid downsizing. In March, locations in Kwun Tong and San Po Kong shut down. September brought the end of the Star Golden Palace in Sham Shui Po, a branch operating for over two decades. Now, Fanling adds to the tally. Based on the group’s official website, only two Star Royal Palace outlets remain, in Tai Po and Yuen Long.
Local Voices: More Than Just Tea
Community reaction has been palpable. On a Facebook group for Hong Kong food enthusiasts, a post showing the closure notice drew immediate responses. “We’re losing yet another yum cha spot,” one user commented. Another lamented, “Where will we go now?” For many living near the estate, the restaurant was a social staple and a convenience.
Industry Context
The decline of the Star Seafood Restaurant Group fits a broader narrative. Traditional Cantonese restaurants are struggling with rising operational costs and labor scarcity. Changing consumption patterns also favor buzzy new entrants over legacy dining. These closures signal a shift in Hong Kong’s food culture, raising questions about the future of its established culinary institutions.
Adapting or Fading?
The chain is directing customers to remaining branches, but no plans for revival have been announced. As consumers demand innovation, the onus is on traditional brands to evolve while retaining their heritage. The story of Star Seafood Restaurant Group serves as a barometer for the industry’s health. For now, loyalists hold out hope that the closures are a strategic realignment rather than a sign of extinction.