Pantler to Stay Open After New Owner Takes Over

Pantler, the Japanese-French patisserie that appeared set to close after 12 years, will remain open under a new owner.

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After twelve years, this isn’t the goodbye we thought it would be.

The business announced on Instagram on Sept. 3 that it would continue operating after receiving strong interest from people seeking to take over or invest. Founder Matthias Phua said he had spoken with several potential investors before choosing the person he felt was the best fit.

Phua declined to disclose the investment amount or identify the new owner. He said the transaction was still moving through legal and administrative procedures. The intention is for Pantler to remain at River Valley and continue operating much as it does today, although changes may come as the new owner settles in.

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I’d rather not disclose the details of the deal at this point as the transaction is still going through the legal and administrative process.

Pantler had initially planned to close because market conditions had made the business unsustainable. It extended its final day from Aug. 30 to Sept. 6, prompting long queues outside the River Valley shop as customers came for what they thought might be their last taste of its pastries. Customers also sent messages, personal notes and gifts urging the patisserie to continue.

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The biggest surprise

Phua described that response as the "biggest surprise" and said it showed Pantler had become "much more than just a business" for some customers. He and co-founder Tomoharu Morita will leave the operation, but much of the core team will stay. Sous chef Ling Tian Wei, who has worked at Pantler for six years, will continue making the same products with other team members. The patisserie is known for Japanese-French pastries including its Yatsura chocolate-hazelnut cake, choux à la crème and Swiss rolls.

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Much more than just a business