The group behind the Transformers: The Ark restaurant in Causeway Bay denied that it was planning to shut down its outlet in Hong Kong even as an overall softening in retail spending was affecting its operations, according to a spokesman. The operator, A La Carte, confirmed it had closed a Transformers branch in Tseung Kwan O, but intended to continue operating the Russell Street eatery, according to Tony Smyth, senior vice-president for corporate development and communications at iFree group. A La Carte is the group’s food and beverage division.
“We have no intention of closing down our flagship store,” Smyth said. “Our fit-outs are high quality and the Causeway Bay outlet is integral to our expansion plans.” The restaurant’s lease expires in 2026, he added.
The company closed the Tseung Kwan O branch on July 2, within months of opening earlier this year. Smyth said the Tseung Kwan O outlet did not thrive because of “wrong demographics and that the expected bigger rebound of the Hong Kong economy did not materialise”. The owners of Soundwill Plaza, where the restaurant is located on Russell Street, declined to comment when contacted by the Post.
Market sources said the landlord was looking for a new tenant or tenants to occupy the 4,540 sq ft space spread over three floors. Apart from the slower than expected growth, Hong Kong’s retail sector is also suffering from residents spending more either across the border in Shenzhen and Guangzhou or overseas. Meanw.