Mamma Mia Focaccia and its hidden champagne bar, The Champagnery, permanently closed on September 23, 2025, after 11 months of operation on Amoy Street in Singapore. Run by chef-owner Houssein Haffian and Italian chef Nico, the popular Italian sandwich deli succumbed to mounting pressures from rising labour and rental expenses.
The Bottom Line
- Operational Lifespan: Opened in October 2025, the grab-and-go deli and its speakeasy-style evening concept ceased operations less than a year later on September 23.
- Primary Pressures: Sustained margin compression driven by escalated local rental overhead and labour expenditures across Singapore’s F&B sector.
- Portfolio Impact: The closure marks a contraction for Houssein Haffian’s Two S Creatives group, which continues to operate other venues including Asador and Next Door Spanish Cafe.
Unpacking the Amoy Street Closure
When Mamma Mia Focaccia launched in October 2025, it immediately captured market attention. Positioned along Amoy Street, the bright red storefront drew consistent queues for its daily-baked focaccia loaded with authentic Italian ingredients. Standout menu offerings included the signature mortadella sandwich paired with stracciatella, pistachio cream, and pistachio shavings, alongside porchetta variants and vegetarian options.
Capitalizing on evening foot traffic, the team expanded the concept in November 2025 by launching The Champagnery. Tucked behind a red door inside the deli, the intimate venue operated from 5 pm onward, offering champagne, cocktails, and music curated by resident DJs alongside the sandwich menu.
Macro Pressures on Singapore’s F&B Sector
Despite strong initial consumer demand and heavy media fanfare, the business could not offset broader structural headwinds. In a joint Instagram statement released on September 23, the ownership group confirmed the shutdown: “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.”
The operators noted that Singapore’s wider food and beverage and nightlife sectors have faced severe operational challenges of late. The venue was spearheaded by Spanish chef-owner Houssein Haffian—whose Two S Creatives group retains ownership of dining spots Asador and Next Door Spanish Cafe—alongside Italian chef Nico, both long-term residents in Singapore.
Financial Realities for Independent Operators
The swift exit of Mamma Mia Focaccia highlights ongoing margin compression for independent eateries in core commercial districts. Escalating commercial real estate leases in prime zones like Amoy Street, coupled with a tight domestic labour market, continue to elevate baseline operating costs. While customer acquisition through social media hype and sensory branding drove initial volume, sustained profitability remains vulnerable when fixed overheads outpace consumer spending caution.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
