Ming Star Seafood Restaurant New Po Kong Branch Closes Due to Rent Issues

Sudden Closure of Star Seafood Restaurant in San Po Kong Shocks Diners, Citing Rental Issues

The Hong Kong dining scene experienced another setback this weekend with the abrupt closure of the San Po Kong branch of Star Seafood Restaurant. The restaurant ceased operations on March 1, 2026, leaving both staff and regular customers surprised. Employees indicated that the primary reason for the closure was a failure to reach an agreement on lease renewal terms, according to reports. The news, first reported by YouTube channel 香港01, highlights the increasing pressures faced by established restaurants in Hong Kong due to rising rental costs.

A Long-Standing Cantonese Institution Calls it Quits

Star Seafood Restaurant is a well-known name in Hong Kong’s Cantonese culinary landscape. The sudden closure of the San Po Kong location adds to a growing list of established eateries facing difficulties. This particular branch’s demise follows a similar situation at the Yellow Tai Hang branch of the restaurant, which closed in August due to the expiration of its lease. Baby Kingdom reports that Star Seafood currently operates 13 branches across Hong Kong, with the San Po Kong closure reducing the number of Star Seafood burn goose specialty stores to three, located in Sai Wan and San Po Kong.

Rental Disputes and a Wider Trend

The closure isn’t an isolated incident. Another restaurant, Kim Moon Lau, also recently closed its doors on July 31st, citing excessive rent increases as the reason. The restaurant’s closure notice indicated a search for a new location. These closures underscore a broader trend of restaurants struggling to cope with escalating rental costs in Hong Kong, a challenge that has been exacerbated in recent years. The situation is a double whammy for businesses, facing both high rents and difficult lease negotiations.

What We Recognize: Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed: Star Seafood Restaurant’s San Po Kong branch closed on March 1, 2026. The stated reason for the closure is a failure to renew the lease agreement. Staff members have indicated rental issues as the core problem. The restaurant group has confirmed that the closure is not related to operational issues.

Unclear: Specific details regarding the terms of the lease negotiation were not provided in available reports. The exact financial impact of the closure on the Star Seafood group remains unclear. The future plans for the San Po Kong location, and whether another tenant has been secured, have not been independently confirmed.

Background: Star Seafood and Hong Kong’s Dining Scene

Star Seafood Restaurant has been a fixture in Hong Kong’s dining scene for decades, known for its Cantonese cuisine and seafood dishes. The restaurant group has expanded over the years, establishing multiple branches across the city. However, Hong Kong’s notoriously high property prices and competitive rental market pose significant challenges for restaurants, particularly those operating in prime locations. The city’s economic landscape, coupled with changing consumer habits, adds further pressure on the industry.

What Happens Next?

For the employees of the San Po Kong branch, the immediate concern is the handling of their severance and statutory benefits. Star Seafood Restaurant Group has stated that all arrangements will be made in accordance with Hong Kong’s labor laws, and has refuted earlier reports of delays in processing Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions. The Epoch Times reports that the group has clarified that MPF and severance payments have been processed according to legal requirements. For regular customers, the closure represents the loss of a familiar dining option and a popular gathering place. The future of the San Po Kong location remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether Star Seafood will seek to reopen at another location in the area.

Reader FAQ

Q: Why did Star Seafood close its San Po Kong branch?
A: The primary reason cited is a failure to reach an agreement on lease renewal terms, with rental costs being a key factor.

Q: Are other Star Seafood branches affected?
A: Currently, only the San Po Kong branch has closed. The group continues to operate 12 other locations across Hong Kong.

Q: What about the employees of the closed branch?
A: Star Seafood has stated that all severance and statutory benefits will be provided in accordance with Hong Kong labor laws.

Q: Is this part of a larger trend?
A: Yes, several restaurants in Hong Kong have recently closed, often citing high rental costs as a contributing factor.