Home-grown gelato favourite Tom’s Palette to shut after 21 years

SINGAPORE – Home-grown gelato shop Tom’s Palette is closing after 21 years.

In a video posted on its Instagram account, Tom’s Palette, which has outlets in Bugis and Kovan, announced that it would be closing in mid- to late October.

In a reference to closures hitting the food and beverage industry recently, a spokeswoman said in the video: “Back in April, I sat here wondering if we were next, and unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we are next.”

She added: “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.”

The news comes amid a spate of closures in the dessert industry in Singapore.

Pantler announced on Aug 6 that it would be closing its doors on Aug 30, while Tarts by Cheryl Koh shuttered both its outlets in April after 11 years of operation.

The Tom’s Palette spokeswoman said: “If you are someone who is interested in continuing this legacy, please do reach out to us.”