'Café de JarGor' to 'Little Ring Café': Same scam, different places

"Café de JarGor," a Hong Kong-style diner that is known as a "yellow shop" supporting protests and closed all its locations in HK in June after a series of financial struggles, is attempting a comeback in Canada. The owners recently announced on social media that the restaurant will reopen under the new name "Little Ring Café" in Markham, Toronto, with a planned opening next month.

The announcement has sparked heated discussions online, with some netizens mocking the owners, saying, "You owe people so much money in HK, now you're trying to scam more in Canada with a new name?" and "Two scumbags living off the suffering of others."

"Café de JarGor" was originally founded by former Miss Hong Kong winner Halina Tam and her husband Eric Choi. In 2016, Choi was embroiled in a scandal after being exposed by the media for infidelity, earning him the label "love rat."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, "Café de JarGor" faced widespread backlash for its controversial behavior, including making derogatory remarks about Wuhan and discriminating against mainland customers. The restaurant even refused to serve mainland tourists, with staff reportedly demanding to check customers' identification.

Additionally, the restaurant also displayed anti-HKSAR government posters and slogans, which angered many citizens and led to calls for a boycott.

At the end of February this year, the restaurant was hit with a rent dispute, with the landlord posting a notice at the restaurant demanding overdue payments. Choi admitted to owing five months of rent and management fees totaling HK$1.5 million. Financial reports show that in 2022, "Café de JarGor" had an overall loss of HK$3.783 million, which ballooned to HK$14 million last year.

In response to the news of the restaurant's reopening in Canada, many netizens ridiculed the move, commenting, "Just playing the same game with a new name, dodging rent and wages again," and "Their supporters are easily tricked, no brains, no thoughts, perfect targets."

Related News:

Anti-China activist Nathan Law allegedly rejected by UK university over sexual misconduct scandal

8 defendants in 2019 PolyU siege sentenced to 50 to 54 months in prison