Singapore’s restaurant sector is entering 2026 after a year of elevated churn, with thousands of new outlets opening in 2025 even as a large number shut — particularly among sit-down restaurants operating on thin margins. Rising rents, higher labour and ingredient costs, and more cautious consumer spending have sharpened pressures on mid- to upper-tier establishments, at a time when regional dining competition is also intensifying.

On this episode of Morning Shot, Dr. Guy Llewellyn, Assistant Professor of Hospitality at EHL Hospitality Business School, joins the Breakfast Show to discuss what these pressures mean for Singapore’s restaurant landscape in 2026, and how operators are adapting their concepts and business models to remain viable.

Singapore&rsquo;s restaurant sector is entering 2026 after a year of elevated churn, with thousands of new outlets opening in 2025 even as a large number shut &mdash; particularly among sit-down restaurants operating on thin margins. Rising rents, higher labour and ingredient costs, and more cautious consumer spending have sharpened pressures on mid- to upper-tier establishments, at a time when regional dining competition is also intensifying.
On this episode of Morning Shot, Dr. Guy Llewellyn, Assistant Professor of Hospitality at EHL Hospitality Business School, joins the Breakfast Show to discuss what these pressures mean for Singapore&rsquo;s restaurant landscape in 2026, and how operators are adapting their concepts and business models to remain viable.

From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what’s happening — and what’s worth your attention.

Start your day with the stories shaping Singapore — and your place in it.

Join Neil Humphreys and Audrey Siek as they cover the biggest headlines, trending topics, and everyday conversations, unpacked through fresh perspectives, expert insights, and engaging discussion. From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what’s happening — and what’s worth your attention.

And it’s not just talk — it’s your voice. Through polls, messages, and live call-ins, listeners are part of the conversation, sharing their views and shaping the discussion in real time. With a mix of clarity, curiosity, and personality, Let’s Talk, Singapore keeps you informed, connected, and ready for the day ahead.

Start your day with the stories shaping Singapore &mdash; and your place in it.
Join Neil Humphreys and Audrey Siek as they cover the biggest headlines, trending topics, and everyday conversations, unpacked through fresh perspectives, expert insights, and engaging discussion. From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; and what&rsquo;s worth your attention.
And it&rsquo;s not just talk &mdash; it&rsquo;s your voice. Through polls, messages, and live call-ins, listeners are part of the conversation, sharing their views and shaping the discussion in real time. With a mix of clarity, curiosity, and personality, Let&rsquo;s Talk, Singapore keeps you informed, connected, and ready for the day ahead.