Mamma Mia Focaccia, known for its long queues, closes after less than a year: 'Tough time of late'

Italian deli Mamma Mia Focaccia shuttered on Wednesday (Sept 23), less than a year after opening to great buzz and long queues.

Their speakeasy, The Champagnery, has also closed, the brand wrote in an Instagram post a day prior.

"Like many in the industry today, we have found it increasingly difficult to keep afloat amid rising costs, and we’ve made the difficult decision to close our doors," they wrote in the caption.

However, they thanked their team, partners and guests for giving "this little corner of Amoy Street its soul".

Opened by Singapore-based Spanish chef Houssein Haffian and Italian chef Nico in October 2025, Mamma Mia Foccacia served the titular bread, made fresh daily, with Italian ingredients from behind its bright red shopfront.

In November, hidden champagne bar The Champagnery opened for those who wanted the signature sandwiches alongside drinks after 5pm.

Houssein's F&B group Two S Creatives also operates Asador and Next Door Spanish Cafe.

It also ran Mexican restaurant Los Amigos, which also closed its doors in March.

The Instagram post continued: "It’s no secret that Singapore’s F&B (food and beverage) and nightlife scene has had a tough time of late.

"We hope, sincerely, that things turn around soon. For the venues still standing, and for the scene as a whole. 

"Everyone deserves to thrive."

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Datat from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority shows that 2,101 F&B businesses have closed between January to August 2026, a 25.1 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025, reported The Straits Times.

The first seven months of the year, however, saw 2,594 new F&B businesses registered.

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drimac@asiaone.com