In a happy turn of events, Hong Kong institution Hoover Cake Shop at Kowloon City will continue serving its traditional bakes despite recently announcing its permanent closure on October 1. Its founder Chow Ping-kuan wanted to retire due to poor health and old age. Snaking queues formed at the shop after the sudden announcement as fans lamented the impending loss of an iconic bakery, which boasts celebrity regulars such as Chow Yun-Fat.

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Unexpected good news for fans

However, in an unexpected twist, Hong Kong paper Sing Tao Daily reported that the nearly 50-year-old bakery managed to snag an investor at the last minute. The new owner of Hoover is The Academics Group, which also runs The Coffee Academics cafe chain. There are five Coffee Academics outposts in Singapore, including an outlet at Scotts Square.

Possible reopening at Hong Kong International Airport

According to Hong Kong broadsheet South China Morning Post, founder and chairman of The Academic Group Jennifer Liu Wai-Fun (second from right) signed a contract with the Chow family to take over the business on September 29. Liu is toying with the idea of reopening the bakery in Hong Kong International Airport. She told the paper that this idea stemmed from founder Ping-kuan’s wife’s love for the decommissioned Kai Tak Airport, which used to be situated a short distance from Hoover Cake Shop. However, she says reopening the bakery in Kowloon City is still a possibility, though the new space will have to be a larger one to accommodate their expansion plans. 

This reopening is slated for the first quarter of 2023, and the bakery will be renamed Hong Kong Hoover Cake Shop 1977 (the tiny store was founded in 1977), added Liu to SCMP.

Current head baker will remain 

While Hoover Cake Shop will still be closed for now following this fresh development, SCMP also reported that its longtime baker will remain with the brand, and will train other bakers plus develop new creations after taking a short break.

Liu also reveals that they plan to sell some baked goods (though she didn’t specify which items) via an online platform prior to Hoover’s shop reopening – so stay tuned for more updates.

This means both locals and tourists alike can continue to savour Hoover’s popular pineapple buns, Swiss rolls and egg tarts. If you don’t plan to travel anytime soon — you can always drop by Singapore chain Joy Luck Teahouse, which had an agreement with Hoover to use its recipe for its egg tarts.

Additional reporting from Alvin Lim.

Photos: Hoover Cake Shop, The Coffee Academics Singapore, Yip Jieying

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