The future of more than 160 workers was left hanging yesterday as one of Hong Kong's oldest restaurants said it would close for extensive renovations next week.
The owners of Diamond Restaurant in Sheung Wan warned some of the existing staff might not be retained and that a pay cut for the rest was possible when the 28-year-old restaurant reopened in about three months.
The workers were told of the closure yesterday morning and a notice was put up at the restaurant's entrance to inform diners.
The notice said the restaurant would close for renovations from Monday until further notice.
Managing director Kam Kwan-lim said the owners had decided to close the restaurant in order to carry out an $8 million renovation project which would include the installation of a much-needed sprinkler system.
'We hope by giving the place a fresh look it will attract more new customers while keeping the old ones happy,' he said.
Mr Kam said the workers would be compensated according to the labour laws.
