\n<\/p>\n
Ernest hopes the switch will help the brothers reach a wider customer base.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just want to go for a very mass market dish. I don\u2019t want to go for something very niche like nonya food anymore,\u201d he says. \u201cI believe for many people in Singapore, porridge has a childhood connection.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also sees a gap in the mall\u2019s food offerings. According to him, there are four nasi lemak sellers, including Kokoyo, but no dedicated porridge stall.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel the success rate will be higher, and I think it\u2019s worth a gamble rather than not doing anything about it,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
If the new concept does well, the brothers are open to continuing the biz beyond their current stall\u2019s lease.<\/p>\n
Would Ernest consider getting a corporate job if things don\u2019t work out? \u201cI will study the numbers and make a decision,\u201d he muses. For now, he prefers to stay in F&B and may try his luck at another location.<\/p>\n
Why stick with a notoriously punishing industry that hasn\u2019t been kind to him? \u201cI feel like this shouldn\u2019t be the end of my journey. I\u2019m not the type of person that gives up easily,\u201d he reasons.<\/p>\n
He adds that building a brand is something both he and his brother enjoy.<\/p>\n
And what do his dad, a technician, and mum, who works in HR, think of their sons\u2019 rocky F&B ventures? \u201cMy parents are pretty chill about it [despite our losses],\u201d says Ernest simply.<\/p>\n
Kokoyo Nyonya Delights\u2019 last day of operation is on 2 Nov. #04-11 Hougang Mall, 90 Hougang Ave 10, S538766. Open Mon\u2013Fri, 11.30am\u20138pm; Sat & Sun, 11am\u20138pm. More info via Instagram<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n