MANILA — The owner of a Kowloon House franchise operating under KMN, on Friday (24 April 2026), clarified that the recent closure of the outlet was due to personal health concerns and not related to any labor dispute or union-related issue.
In a statement released to the public, KMN owner Karen Monique Ng said the decision to cease operations was “purely personal” and driven by her ongoing battle with cancer, which requires intensive treatment.
Ng emphasized that managing the business has become increasingly difficult due to the physical and mental demands of her condition, making it necessary to prioritize her recovery.
The franchise owner also addressed speculation surrounding the closure, firmly denying allegations that it was an act of union-busting or retaliation against workers.
“It is important to clarify that KMN is an independently owned and operated franchise,” Ng said, noting that while the outlet carries Kowloon House products, its management and employment policies are handled separately from the main company.
She further explained that KMN employees are not part of Kowloon Food Services Inc. (KFSI) and are not affiliated with the Glowhrain labor union. As such, there are no ongoing labor disputes, negotiations, or collective bargaining issues tied to the outlet’s closure.
Ng added that employees were formally notified of the shutdown during a meeting where closure notices were personally served, except for a few who were not present at the time.
The owner maintained that the closure complies with labor laws and relevant regulations, urging the public to respect her privacy as she undergoes treatment.
She also expressed gratitude to customers and partners for their continued support over the years.
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