The Prive Group, once a prominent player in Singapore’s dining scene, has shuttered all its restaurants as of Sunday (Aug 31).
In a message to suppliers seen by CNA Lifestyle, the group announced it would “cease all restaurant operations after the close of business on 31 August 2025” and would appoint an independent financial advisor to handle the next steps. Suppliers were told to expect further contact directly from this advisor, and the company appealed for patience during the transition.
The message concluded with the Prive Group saying they were “deeply sorry for the current situation”.
Two outlets at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) – Chinese restaurant Empress and Prive ACM – will continue operations under the management of Commonwealth Concepts.
“The Prive Group were no longer able to continue operations of both Empress at ACM and Prive ACM from Sep 1,” Brian Stampe, chief operating officer of Commonwealth Concepts, told CNA Lifestyle. “ACM has since handed over both spaces to Commonwealth Concepts from Sep 1.”
He said: “Commonwealth Concepts will operate Empress at ACM, and it remains open for visitors to the museum and the general public without any disruptions in service.”
Meanwhile, "the former Prive ACM outlet will be converted to a Baker & Cook outlet, which will open on Sep 4”.
"This transition is to ensure that services continue to support ACM's visitors to the museum and the general public," Stampe said.
Commonwealth Concepts was formed in 2021 through a joint venture between investment firm Commonwealth Capital and Far East Organization’s F&B arm, Refinery Concepts. Its stable of brands includes Baker & Cook, Fat Cow, The Marmalade Pantry, Bedrock Bar & Grill, Swissbake and PastaMania.
The Prive Group, founded in 2007 with its flagship restaurant at Keppel Bay, had grown into a well-known chain offering everything from brunch classics to plant-based meals. Over the years, it also ran nightlife spots such as Stereolab and Mink, both now defunct.
However, business headwinds had taken a toll. In early 2025, its 313 Somerset outlet was repossessed by landlord Lendlease, and other outlets at Jewel Changi Airport, Paragon, Tiong Bahru and Robertson Quay also closed. By mid-2025, only its branches at Holland Village, Botanic Gardens and Wheelock Place remained operational, until the final closure in August.
The group has faced challenges beyond business difficulties. In 2021, its former chief executive Jean-Luc Vu Han was tried for assaulting a teenager in an unprovoked attack in a lift while drunk. He was sentenced in 2022 to two weeks’ jail and fined S$3,500 (US$2,728).
Prive’s collapse comes against the backdrop of widespread struggles in Singapore’s dining industry. F&B closures surged in 2024 and the trend has continued into 2025, leaving even established names unable to weather the storm.
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In a message to suppliers seen by CNA Lifestyle, the group announced it would “cease all restaurant operations after the close of business on 31 August 2025” and would appoint an independent financial advisor to handle the next steps. Suppliers were told to expect further contact directly from this advisor, and the company appealed for patience during the transition.
The message concluded with the Prive Group saying they were “deeply sorry for the current situation”.
Two outlets at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) – Chinese restaurant Empress and Prive ACM – will continue operations under the management of Commonwealth Concepts.
“The Prive Group were no longer able to continue operations of both Empress at ACM and Prive ACM from Sep 1,” Brian Stampe, chief operating officer of Commonwealth Concepts, told CNA Lifestyle. “ACM has since handed over both spaces to Commonwealth Concepts from Sep 1.”
He said: “Commonwealth Concepts will operate Empress at ACM, and it remains open for visitors to the museum and the general public without any disruptions in service.”
Meanwhile, "the former Prive ACM outlet will be converted to a Baker & Cook outlet, which will open on Sep 4”.
"This transition is to ensure that services continue to support ACM's visitors to the museum and the general public," Stampe said.
Commonwealth Concepts was formed in 2021 through a joint venture between investment firm Commonwealth Capital and Far East Organization’s F&B arm, Refinery Concepts. Its stable of brands includes Baker & Cook, Fat Cow, The Marmalade Pantry, Bedrock Bar & Grill, Swissbake and PastaMania.
The Prive Group, founded in 2007 with its flagship restaurant at Keppel Bay, had grown into a well-known chain offering everything from brunch classics to plant-based meals. Over the years, it also ran nightlife spots such as Stereolab and Mink, both now defunct.
However, business headwinds had taken a toll. In early 2025, its 313 Somerset outlet was repossessed by landlord Lendlease, and other outlets at Jewel Changi Airport, Paragon, Tiong Bahru and Robertson Quay also closed. By mid-2025, only its branches at Holland Village, Botanic Gardens and Wheelock Place remained operational, until the final closure in August.
The group has faced challenges beyond business difficulties. In 2021, its former chief executive Jean-Luc Vu Han was tried for assaulting a teenager in an unprovoked attack in a lift while drunk. He was sentenced in 2022 to two weeks’ jail and fined S$3,500 (US$2,728).
Prive’s collapse comes against the backdrop of widespread struggles in Singapore’s dining industry. F&B closures surged in 2024 and the trend has continued into 2025, leaving even established names unable to weather the storm.
Continue reading...