Yong He Eating House in Geylang on sale for S$300,000, 30 prospective buyers express interest

After the owner of Geylang's famous 24-hour snack joint, Yong He Eating House, announced the eatery's impending closure and the intention to sell the brand, around 30 buyers have stepped forward to express their interest.

Regulars and old customers have also made a beeline for the eatery for one last hurrah.

Yong He's current owner, Dong Han Zhong, 46, previously said the 39-year-old eatery would be closing for good by end-November 2025, citing manpower issues and rising costs.

In a bid to keep the family brand alive, he has put it up for sale at S$300,000.

Selling price to remain despite number of vying buyers

Dong shared that since news of the closure broke, the eatery has been packed to the brim almost every day for the past two weeks, according to Shin Min Daily News.

This was accompanied by the expression of interest from 30 prospective buyers.

"Some contacted me through a middleman, while others came to see me themselves. But things are still in the preliminary stages. It was a last-minute decision to sell the brand, so a lot of the details are still being discussed," Dong said.

The owner pointed out that he would maintain the price at S$300,000, despite the number of buyers who came forward.

May work for new owners

Dong said he would personally provide his mentorship to the new owners, and has not ruled out working for them either, Shin Min reported.

"Some of the buyers have mentioned that they wanted to put me on their payroll. As long as the terms are agreeable, I'll consider everything on the table. What I won't do is to up and leave entirely," Dong commented.

He said there are two to three buyers who appeared most suitable as of now, adding that his only wish was for the new owners to not ruin the brand and allow it live on.

Reluctant to part with Yong He

Yong He Eating House's last day of operations will be on Nov. 30.

The owner shared that he is reluctant to part with it, and while he hoped that the new owners will retain the eatery in its current shape and form, he would respect their decisions.

If he does not dive into a new job, Dong intends to take a break after the closure and take his mother on a holiday.

Regulars visit for old times' sake

On Nov. 26, the eatery was observed to be filled to the brim with customers, Shin Min reported.

A number of menu items were sold out early.

Dong pointed out that business has doubled since the news broke.

The scene of a packed restaurant, which has not occurred in years, left Dong emotional, Shin Min wrote.

"I even ran into an old customer. The last time she was here she was pregnant. Now, she's come with two of her seven or eight-year-old daughters," he said.

One regular, Yang (transliteration), 47, said she has been patronising and enjoying Yong He's soy milk pudding since she was eight.

She would visit at least five times a month, and her favourites were the oyster omelette, pancake and braised pork rice.

"I rushed to visit once I heard the news. I feel like it's such a pity. I'll make plans to visit again with a few of my old classmates, because this is where we grew up," Yang said.

Dong's former schoolmates, Su and Lin (transliterations), both 45, were also there to reminisce over a meal at Yong He.

Top image via Shin Min Daily News, Canva