Popular businesses that closed due to COVID-19
They say all things must come to an end.
However, this shouldn't be the case for most businesses that became part of our childhood, our lifestyle, and an era that defined us as a generation. Not to mention the many employees that considered these establishments their home for x number of years!
From restaurants to bars to hotel chains, strings of businesses are closing down one by one due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As an ode to the ones we've lost, let's take a look at all the names of companies that powered through to the end and gave it their all before taking their final bow.
Shangri-La Finest Chinese Cuisine
Opening its doors in 1983, Shangri-La Finest Chinese Cuisine was started by businessman Ramon Synhunliong and was inspired by the 1993 novel “Lost Horizon.”
On July 22, it announced that they will be closing their doors effective August 1 -- 37 years since it started.
Regina Gift Shop
Regina Gift Shop started operating in 1977 in Greenhills selling unique items from velcro cloth wallets to Lisa Frank merchandise.
On June 7, it announced that it's closing its doors and thanked customers who grew old with them.
Kidzania
Popular kids' indoor family entertainment center KidZania will be closing its doors at the end of August after months of shutdown because of the pandemic.
In a statement, it said that the ban on mass gathering and stay-at-home rule for kids have left them no choice but to close the “play city's doors permanently.”
Polilya
Makati's Poblacion would not be the same without Polilya.
After three years of operations, the popular bar and party hub in Poblacion is shutting down with management thanking its customers for making it an “incredible run.”
They, however, did not state if there would be plans to reopen the establishment.
The Oasis Paco Park Hotel
Manila's very own The Oasis Paco Park Hotel and its restaurant My Kitchen at the Oasis are closing due to the effects of the pandemic 10 years after it opened to the public.
The sad news was announced by its administration on July 14.
Today x Future
Cubao's famous Today x Future was supposed to mark its 12th anniversary in 2020 but due to unfortunate events, it has decided to close its doors on June 18, 2020.
The tiny bar hub situated at Cubao X marked its territory as one of the first openly queer safe spaces in Metro Manila and was the rest stop of every college student for years. Like, who did not take a selfie at their famous bathroom?
Zirkoh
Allan K's comedy bar Zirkoh has announced its closure on June 30 after the company faced “tremendous economic loss brought about by the coronavirus pandemic in the Philippines.”
According to the comedian, employees will be given their salary and their 13th-month pay, with additional cash assistance.
Klownz
Similar to Zirkoh, Allan K's very own Klownz Comedy Bar has shut its doors due to the pandemic.
The 18-year-old comedy bar was house to some of the best stand-up comedians in the country including Ate Gay, Gladys Guevarra, and Boobsie.
Select Victoria Court branches
On June 2, motel chain Victoria Court has decided to close its doors on select branches due to the impact of COVID-19. The statement was made by Victoria Court CEO Angie Mead King through a video that was disseminated to her employees.
The other half of Victoria Court, operated by Angie's sibling Atticus, remains open.
Moksha
San Juan's neighborhood bar Moksha has announced its closure with the words “All good things must come to an end” on June 30, 2020.
The nearly 20-year-old bar was famous for its legendary drink called the Flying Tiger and was established as a “home away from home” type of place.
Marco Polo Davao
The first and only five-star hotel in Mindanao, Marco Polo Davao ceased operation on June 15, 2020. The hotel's restaurant Lotus Court, which offers Cantonese cruising, also closed its doors. Marco Polo Davao opened in 1998 and was the first property of Hong Kong-based Marco Polo Hotels in the Philippines.
Sun Cruises
After more than three decades, Sun Cruises shut down its operation on May 16, 2020. The company was known for offering different tours and travel packages in Corregidor Island. In a letter, Sun Cruises Inc. thanked everyone who once enjoyed the beautiful island of Corregidor.
NoKal
Going to Poblacion, Makati wouldn't be the same without visiting NoKal (North of Kalayaan) and trying their famous burgers. Unfortunately, NoKal wasn't spared by the COVID-19 pandemic and was forced to close its doors.
Common Room
Arts and crafts store Common Room shut down its original home in Katipunan on July 30, exactly five years after it opened its doors. However, Common Room branches in Alabang Town Center, Rockwell, and Uptown Bonifacio will remain operational.
Snack and ladders
Popular board game cafe Snacks & Ladders in Maginhawa Street Quezon City announced its closure on August 22, 2020.
Their statement read, “For almost 5 years, Snacks & Ladders has been a home for geeks, foodies, and gamers. Sadly, the recent pandemic has impacted us a lot and we will no longer be able to maintain the physical restaurant in Maginhawa that we've all grown to love.”
Comic Quest
Popular hobby shop and comic book store Comic Quest announced that they will close its doors after 35 years of operation brought by the pandemic.
The store is currently holding a farewell sale to its customers from September 16 until October.
XX XX
Manila's popular night club and music venue XX XX announced its closure on September 1.
It said in a statement, “The time has come for us as well. After 4+ years, for all the obvious reasons, we are forced to close our doors.”
During its operation, XX XX hosted several acts including TOKiMONSTA, No Rome, and Jamie xx.
Concha's Garden, Quezon City
The Quezon City branch of Alden Richards's restaurant business, Concha's Garden Cafe, ceased its operations at the end of 2020. The Asia's Multimedia Star admitted recently on "Bawal Judgmental," "Medyo mahirap 'yun kasi parang four years 'yung tinagal noong restaurant. Ang daming memories doon."
Concha's Garden Cafe branches in Silang, Cavite, and Tagaytay City remain operational.
Jump Yard
The Philippines' first and largest indoor trampoline park, Jump Yard, announced its closure in June.
Fun Ranch
Another popular family attraction in Pasig City, Fun Ranch, permanently closed its doors in June after temporarily inoperational since March.
Ludo Boardgame Bar and Cafe
Manila's first and premiere boardgame bar and cafe, Ludo, closed its Quezon City branch after six years. Despite the closure, the management promised to "be back in a new location when everything is right in the world."
Hole in the Wall
After six years, Century City Mall's food hall, Hole In The Wall, officially shut its doors for good. In a post on Instagram, the management called their decision "a tough one."
Route 196
After 15 years in operation, the beloved Metro Manila music venue Route 196 in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City announced its closure. The bar was home to many up-and-coming bands and artists.
Uno
This iconic food establishment along Tomas Morato in Quezon City closed down for good a day before Christmas last year.
“Thank you for your patronage,” the 25-year-old restaurant said on Facebook.
“We would like to announce that at the end of business day on December 24, Uno Restaurant will be closing. It was truly our pleasure and privilege serving you all these years.”
Makati Shangri-La
The luxury hotel shocked everyone when it announced yesterday, January 20, that it will be halting operations beginning on February 1.
The closure, according to the hotel, is just temporary. Sadly, along with it comes the laying off of workers to cut costs.
“Every effort is being made to support all our affected colleagues through this transition, including providing a fair compensation package that is higher than local statutory guidelines and extending healthcare coverage and grocery support until 31 December 2021 to provide affected employees and their families peace of mind during these uncertain times,” management said in a statement.
Prior to the decision, the hotel said that it exerted all efforts to keep the establishment running despite the bleak circumstances.
Hopefully, the move would allow Makati Shangri-La to regroup and resume operations soon.
Casa Daza by Chef Sandy
The restaurant known for serving Filipino food with a twist officially closed down its U.P. Town Center branch in Quezon City on February 1, 2021.
“We appreciate every customer who has come through our doors, and are grateful for the community we have built in our short time in [U.P. Town Center] (UPTC),” the restaurant said on social media.
“Thank you for supporting our business; we have enjoyed serving each one of you.”
Ella and the Blackbird
After seven years of operation, this café along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City waved goodbye on January 31, 2021
“It's with deep sadness to announce that today will be the last day of Ella and the Blackbird,” the café told its social media followers.
“We will surely miss the camaraderie we've had, the laughter we've shared, the stories we've told, the music we've listened to and the experience we went through. To all of you who have supported us, we will forever be grateful.”
Elbert's Diner
January 31, 2021 was a sad day for foodies who dig American staples as Elbert's Diner at Power Plant Mall in Makati City officially halted operations.
“We hope to see you for one last time before we roll down our doors,” the restaurant told its loyal patrons.
“Thank you for all your support throughout all these years. We are hopeful that we will be back some day. We are proud of our sandwiches and will do our best to find them a home again.”
The Legend Villas
The Mandaluyong-based hotel has announced its closure after 28 years of operations.
“As we officially close our doors and bid goodbye, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been a part of The Legend Villas. We hope that we were able to impart a great customer experience to everyone,” the hotel wrote on its Facebook page on February 1, 2021.
The hotel is a favorite among guests looking for affordable accommodations for families and groups.
Automatic Centre
The country's oldest retail appliance and electronics store announced its closure starting in October.
“We would like to announce today that Automatic Appliance Inc. (AAI) will officially close down its appliance retailing operations effective October 10, 2021,” AAI president and CEO Geoffrey Lim said in a letter.
Automatic Centre had been in business for more than 70 years, first opening in 1948 in Avenida Rizal, Manila, by founder Benito Lim.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous challenges in our business and it is with much regret and trepidation that we share this news with you today.”
