Famed Singaporean cafe scraps plans for Bay Area
Now, those plans are dead. Killiney Kopitiam will not open a previously announced flagship restaurant at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, the shopping center confirmed, and the chain has abandoned its other stateside expansion efforts.
Amanda Toh Steckler, Killiney Kopitiam's U.S. franchisee and a former Palo Alto resident, said she has decided to retire and focus on her family.
Killiney Kopitiam opened to long lines in Palo Alto in 2020. Former Chronicle restaurant critic Soleil Ho named it one of the city's best restaurants. At the time, Steckler was planning a massive expansion: 62 locations over the next eight years, including four more in the Bay Area. None ever materialized.
The Palo Alto Killiney Kopitiam closed in late 2023, but the owners said it would reopen at the Westfield mall the following spring. For over a year, fans waited for news of its arrival. In February, the business promoted a ticketed preopening party for the new location, but abruptly canceled it several days before.
Steckler also teamed up with Bay Area chef Nora Haron to open SanDai, an upscale Southeast Asian restaurant in Walnut Creek, and a next-door Indonesian coffee shop called Kopi Bar. Both closed in June. Haron said she now plans to open more locations of the coffee shop this and next year.
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Famed Singaporean cafe scraps plans for Bay Area
When Singapore's oldest cafe, Killiney Kopitiam, opened its first U.S. outpost to much fanfare in Palo Alto five years ago, it came with an ambitious plan to launch dozens of locations throughout the West Coast. Now, those plans are dead. Killiney Kopitiam will not open a previously announced flagship restaurant at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, the shopping center confirmed, and the chain has abandoned its other stateside expansion efforts. Amanda Toh Steckler, Killiney Kopitiam's U.S. franchisee and a former Palo Alto resident, said she has decided to retire and focus on her family. Killiney Kopitiam opened to long lines in Palo Alto in 2020. Former Chronicle restaurant critic Soleil Ho named it one of the city's best restaurants. At the time, Steckler was planning a massive expansion: 62 locations over the next eight years, including four more in the Bay Area. None ever materialized. The Palo Alto Killiney Kopitiam closed in late 2023, but the owners said it would reopen at the Westfield mall the following spring. For over a year, fans waited for news of its arrival. In February, the business promoted a ticketed preopening party for the new location, but abruptly canceled it several days before. Steckler also teamed up with Bay Area chef Nora Haron to open SanDai, an upscale Southeast Asian restaurant in Walnut Creek, and a next-door Indonesian coffee shop called Kopi Bar. Both closed in June. Haron said she now plans to open more locations of the coffee shop this and next year.
Time Business News
a day ago
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Differences Between Commercial and Residential Property Tax in Indonesia
Property ownership in Indonesia comes with tax obligations, and understanding the differences between residential and commercial property tax is essential for both local and foreign investors. These two categories are treated differently under Indonesian tax regulations in terms of rates, calculation methods, and usage limitations. Tax Rates and Calculations Estate properties, such as abodes or condos, are typically subject to lower acreage tax (PBB – Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan) rates compared to commercial properties, including workplace structures, retail outlets, and storehouses. The acreage tax for residential genuine estate is normally 0.1% of the accountable selling esteem (NJOP), whereas commercial belongings can be taxed at higher progressive charges, particularly if situated in top zones. In some territories, the neighborhood administration may impose higher taxes on properties that are utilised for income-producing activities, even if the property is categorized as residential, which renders the characterization crucial. Categorization for it, is a pivotal determinant in judging no matter if a property falls under residential or commercial utilization. Residential properties are meant for residing intentions, and any deviation from this employ—such as managing a home-based business enterprise or transforming the space into a rental unit—may necessitate extraordinary licenses and could trigger reclassification. On the other hand, commercial properties are designated for business activities and are typically positioned in zones where supporting infrastructure, accessibility, and business permits are readily available. This zoning variance affects not only taxes but in addition compliance duties such as building codes. While commercial land has revenue streams from rents and strategic positioning, its high valuations from the annual NJOP calculation contribute to elevated property tax burdens that enlarge the costs of maintaining such spaces. In contrast, residential plots found farther from urban cores frequently see reduced NJOP assignments, translating to more reasonable yearly outlays. The government stipulates the NJOP routinely, establishing the base for gauging the taxes due. Properties generating income through their functions and spots gain loftier NJOP ratings, resulting in larger PBB duties that inflate the price tag of conducting commercial operations over the long haul. Housing in the 'burbs or countryside commonly take pleasure in lower assessments, bringing about more lenient contributions to public coffers. Indonesia exempts tax for certain homeowners of low-income residential houses or properties whose value is under a level. Tax exemptions are generally not for commercial houses, which are taxed in addition by VAT (for rentals or sale), BPHTB (Bea Perolehan Hak atas Tanah dan Bangunan), and taxation of rental incomes. This makes home property more attractive for first-time purchases or existing residents, while owners of commercial property need to be more strategic in their tax strategy. Commercial property owners typically have more demanding reporting requirements, especially if the property is income-yielding. These include VAT returns, business license renewals, and even financial audits if it is done under a business firm. The owners of residential properties are mostly focused on making annual PBB payments unless they rented out or sold the property. During purchase or sale of property, both residential properties and commercial assets are liable for BPHTB (usually 5% of the sale price). But in case of commercial property where VAT is applicable (10%), this is quite a heavy burden. The buyers must compute these charges during due diligence so they don't come as an unpleasant surprise. Investors must weigh the long-term fiscal costs of maintaining either type. Though residential property provides more stable appreciation and lower maintenance taxes, commercial property can potentially provide higher returns via rental provided that taxes and operating costs are well controlled. However, regulatory restrictions on commercial property could be greater, especially where there is intense local government regulation. Residential and commercial property in Indonesia are taxed differently, depending on the investor's budget, business objectives, and risk tolerance. Residential property is typically cheaper and legally simpler to own, while commercial property offers greater benefits but also carries a relatively higher tax burden. You can consult a tax expert or notary, such as ILA Global Consulting, before deciding to purchase local property. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
