Casual dining faces cuts as 43% eye Johor Bahru switch

Premium restaurants and nightlife venues stay largely unaffected at just 14% and 8%, respectively.

Forty-three percent of respondents expect to spend less on casual dining, cafés, and takeaway in Singapore once the RTS Link opens, according to a Blackbox survey.

"The dining sector will split down the middle. Casual eateries, cafés, and takeaway spots in Singapore are vulnerable," the report said.

Premium and special-occasion dining registers a smaller drop at 14%, whilst bars, nightlife, and evening entertainment record the smallest share at 8%.

Separately, 54% of respondents say they envisage dining in Johor Bahru at least quarterly, once the link is operational.

"Local operators shouldn't race to the bottom on price," Blackbox said.

It added that everyday dining must double down on convenience and sharpness, whilst premium spots must lean into unique experiences, service, and atmosphere that Johor Bahru "cannot easily replicate."

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Blackbox Research

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