The owner of Poh Kee Chicken Rice, Michael Poh, explained that they had no choice but to do so after their monthly rental was increased by S$2,000.
No more S$3.50 chicken rice
Poh was first informed about the upcoming rental hike on May 31.
In a June 1 Facebook post, Poh revealed that he had only a few days to decide whether to continue renting the stall at the current location, Block 206 Toa Payoh North.
He also had to calculate whether the stall could make enough to cover the more expensive rental.
Ultimately, it was decided that the stall would do away with the smaller and cheaper S$3.50 portions of chicken rice, and will continue selling the S$4.50 (medium) and S$5.50 (large) portions.
Poh promised that the stall will maintain its "standards" and quality of chicken rice without decreasing its quantity per portion.
Chicken shortage problems
Many commenters sympathised with Poh's situation, especially in the midst of the current chicken shortage.
Poh Kee Chicken Rice previously shared about their struggles due to the shortage.
They had to increase the prices of their chicken rice, but insisted that the quantity of chicken in their meals is higher as compared to other chicken rice stalls that kept their prices the same.
https://mothership.sg/2022/06/poh-kee-chicken-rice-rental-hike/