The sudden shutdown of The Providore after more than a decade in business has again raised questions about the health of Singapore’s F&B industry. Rising rents, manpower shortages, higher ingredient costs and intense competition have made the business increasingly difficult to sustain, even as new outlets continue to open.

On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Xinde Yap, Former Founder of Chug Chug to hear a first-hand account from a former F&B business owner whose business has shuttered years ago, and to look at whether the industry has improved , and what needs to be done.