Haus Coffee owner steps down amid salary and management row

The owner of Haus Coffee has stepped down from his operational role and issued a public apology, acknowledging concerns raised about the management of the company's finances and employment practices.

The departure follows allegations that the coffee chain, which operates across South and Southeast Asia, failed to remit salaries to staff and payments to suppliers on schedule. Reports also suggest funds were redirected away from core operational expenses.

In his statement, the owner acknowledged the lapses in financial management and expressed regret for the impact on employees and business partners. The timing of the announcement suggests efforts to stabilise stakeholder confidence following the disclosure of the irregularities.

The company has not detailed specific remedial measures or provided information on successor leadership arrangements. Industry observers are monitoring developments closely given Haus Coffee's established presence across multiple markets in the region.