Singapore’s once-popular bakery cafe chain Twelve Cupcakes has entered provisional liquidation, closing all 20 stores and laying off about 80 employees. 

The closure, announced on the company’s website on October 29 with “immediate effect”, marks the end of a 14-year journey in the city-state’s food and beverage scene.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your kind support and partnership over the years,” the brand said in the statement. 

The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU), which represents Twelve Cupcakes’ employees, stated that the closure occurred without warning, despite the business having been unionised since 2021. 

The union described the move as “irresponsible and unacceptable” and is now assisting affected staff with wage and retrenchment claims.

Founded in 2011 by celebrity duo Daniel Ong and Jaime Teo, Twelve Cupcakes grew rapidly and was acquired in 2016 by India’s Dhunseri Group for S$2.5 million (US$1.9 million), as part of an expansion drive across Asia.