Proofer Boulangerie Pulls the Plug: A Sudden Bakery Exit in Potong Pasir
Just two months ago, a familiar pumpernickel‑filled shop door slammed shut in front of an unprepared crowd of Potong Pasir residents. The bakery that had been serving up those famous single‑slice pizzas and buttery rolls was gone—no notice, no farewell, just a hand‑written note under the door saying “Lease terminated. Mall reclaims space.” Talk about a cliff‑hanger!
What Went Down?
A quick look at the details points to a classic rent‑and‑utilities showdown. The Poiz Centre says a Proofer representative had recently thumbed the ink on a three‑year lease (starting March) but had been complaining in late 2019 that the shop’s electricity meter seemed to have gone bananas. After an inspection they discovered that the bakery was leaving dozens of sockets on, even after hours.
When the boutique kitchens tried to settle the bill, it turned into a “rent vs. power bill” argument of the highest order. The bakery allegedly owed a chunk of unpaid utility costs, while the mall’s spokesperson flagged “outstanding payments” and lamps that lingered well beyond the closing time—a small but costly ego‑mangle.
The Fallout
- In‑mate shutdown – The bakery immediately pulled its shutters at the Potong Pasir location, relocating staff to other outlets across the island.
- Health scare alert – Earlier this year, Proofer’s central kitchen ran into a massive pest infestation, leading to a temporary suspension and product recalls.
- Business ripple – With 16 other branches still open, the abrupt exit leaves a curiosity among locals who expected a gradual closure, not a surprise curtain‑call.
Why the Surprise?
For most store owners in Singapore’s fierce retail arena, a sudden shutdown without a heads‑up is the stuff of legend—they’re expected to hand the notice over a few weeks (or months) before a lease ends. Proofer’s Potong Pasir case is the real “oh‑no” moment: no warning, no exit strategy, just a signed contract gone south.
They say the dispute over the high rent and unpaid utilities was the “big reason.” A spokesperson for the bakery pointed out a long‑standing friction around utility costs, while the mall’s representative highlighted the money left unpaid and the apparent electricity sabotage.
Takeaway
That’s the snapshot: a revered local bakery that had popped up in the taste‑lovers’ radar now vanished overnight because a mix of unpaid bills and hot‑wired chaos hit a dead‑end. The storefront’s sudden closure reminds shopkeepers—and us—how razor‑sharp the business scene can be in Singapore. And it’s a good reminder that keeping a power outlet off after hours is more than a minor polite act—it’s a business‑savvy decision.
