The Camel Group abruptly closes all of its Shanghai restaurants and bars on December 2, 2024.
Venues include long-standing popular brunch spot The Bull & Claw, Mexican restaurant El Santo at Found 158, Italian restaurant DOC on Dagu Lu, and Thai restaurant KIN Urban Thai Kitchen on Yongkang Lu.
News of The Camel Hospitality Group’s closure began circulating this past weekend.
The company issued an official statement on Sunday, December 1. The statement cites operation difficulties and that it would terminate labor contracts and operations from December 2, 2024. See below.
In the lead up to its abrupt end, notices were seen circulating, issued as early as November 26, citing overdue rent in the amount of ¥360,000. The most recent notice was posted outside The Bull & Claw, stating that the property has been reclaimed by the landlord.
Reportedly, some staff salaries and supplier debt are also pending payment.
I reached out to Camel Group for comment, and Group Managing Director Todd Pearson provided this statement:
“After 15 wonderful years, we’ve made the difficult decision to close all of our Shanghai bar and restaurant venues as of December 1st. It’s been an incredible journey, but the lasting effects of COVID on the city and the current challenging market environment have made it unsustainable to continue. I’m incredibly proud of the talented team of chefs, bartenders, service staff, and managers who helped bring so many venues to life in Shanghai over the years. There have been countless unforgettable nights out, endless brunches, and amazing dinners. But, as with all good things, this chapter has come to an end.”
The Camel Group was once a leading F&B group with more than a dozen brands under its management located in Shanghai and Suzhou. Other brands include La Baracca, Hop Project, Saucepan, The Smokehouse, and REVO, all closed long before this recent announcement.
Still listed under Camel’s official website and WeChat accounts are F45 Training and The Blarney Stone.
However, F45 is not affected by the Camel Group’s closure and will be operating as per usual. The Blarney Stone is also unaffected as it is under new ownership.
Additional images via The Camel Hospitality Group official WeChat.
