Tom's Palette to Close Singapore Gelato Shops After 21 Years of Operation

Homegrown Singapore gelato institution Tom’s Palette has announced it will close its doors in mid- to late-October after 21 years of operation. The brand cited the difficult economics of the dessert industry, where shops do most of their business within a three-hour window, leaving long hours of low customer volume.

The brand first opened at Shaw Tower in 2005 before eventually establishing outlets in Bugis and Kovan.

The Economic Pressures Facing Modern Dessert Shops

While many consumers view popular dessert spots as thriving commercial successes, the day-to-day realities of operating an artisanal shop tell a different story. According to the Tom’s Palette spokeswoman, the business model relies heavily on a compressed window of profitability each day.

“I’m sure to many, we appear as a very successful business. But the truth is that the dessert industry really only does well for three hours out of the day, and it’s not enough to pay for the 21 hours when there’s not a lot of people.”

Tom’s Palette spokeswoman, via VnExpress International

General manager Faith Yap noted that the team had been bracing for difficult news amid a broader wave of food and beverage business closures across Singapore.

A Broader Wave of F&B Departures Across Singapore

The closure of Tom’s Palette coincides with a challenging climate for Singapore’s food and beverage sector.

Tom’s Palette joins a list of established dessert destinations that have stepped away from the market this year. Other recent high-profile closures include Tarte by Cheryl Koh, Pantler Patisserie, and Laurent Cafe and Chocolatier, the latter of which shuttered its Robertson Quay chocolatier location after 20 years in business.

An Encore Collection and a Search for New Ownership

Ahead of the mid- to late-October shuttering, the shop is giving patrons a final chance to experience its catalogue through an Encore Collection. Every Tuesday at 6 p.m., the kitchen brings back highly requested archived flavors such as Black Sesame Brittle, Soybean Youtiao, and Mao Shan Wang. Customers can also purchase special items through the shop’s website.

At the same time, the team is actively looking for someone else to carry the torch. The business, along with more than 250 proprietary recipes and brand rights, is up for sale for prospective buyers interested in maintaining its legacy.

“It is our sincere belief that Tom’s Palette still has a lot of potential, but unfortunately we lack the resources to turn it into a sustainable business.”

Tom’s Palette, via AsiaOne

Customer Outpouring and Memories at the Bugis Hub

News of the impending closure brought an immediate wave of nostalgia and sadness from patrons online, many of whom recalled decades of visits. For long-time visitors, the Bugis location served as a central meeting place for milestones, celebrations, and hosting international visitors.

Tom's Palette to Close Singapore Gelato Shops After 21 Years of Operation — Photo: VnExpress International

“It breaks my heart that our perfect place of hellos is now where we’ll be going to say our goodbyes… This honestly hurts, like saying goodbye to an old friend.”

Tom’s Palette customer, via AsiaOne

With roughly two months remaining before the shop closes its doors for good, customers continue to visit its Bugis and Kovan storefronts to share their final scoops.