SINGAPORE – Local actor Chew Chor Meng and his wife Deon have opened a second outlet of their cafe at the basement of Ngee Ann City along Orchard Road.
Despite several failed ventures, which included a shoe shop, a fish head beehoon stall, and a “lok lok” hotpot store, Chew has remained unfazed and is willing to give the F&B business another go, reported Shin Min Daily News.
The paper added that his wife Deon, also left her high-paying position in a bank last year to join him and two other shareholders in the business.
The couple invested a six figure sum to open both d’ Good cafe outlets – the first of which started operations in 2013 at Holland Village.
Both Chew and his wife came up with the cafe’s theme, which is based on the London underground railway system.
But it’s not just about serving coffee and food.
The 47-year-old veteran actor says the cafe is also the couple’s way of giving back to society through CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives and to “spread positivity”.
The cafe partners charities such as Touch Community Services, where artwork made by the disabled are displayed and all proceeds would go towards the charity.
Another feature of the cafe is a traditional British red pillar box, where customers who are upset can pen their feelings or thoughts and ‘post’ the messages. The Chews, who are Christians, say they read every message and pray for those who are troubled.
Besides these initiatives, the couple also plan to hire former convicts and train them to be qualified baristas.
According to their website, the cafe roasts their own blend of coffee beans.
And if you’re around Orchard Road during breakfast hours from 8.30am till 10am, the Ngee Ann City outlet is offering a promotion till Sept 9, where any purchase of a sandwich will come with a free cup of joe.
Teachers with a valid teaching pass will also get to enjoy a 15 per cent discount off the total bill at both outlets, valid till the end of the month.
D’ Good cafe’s two outlets are located at #B1-56 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City (opposite Sephora), and 273 Holland Avenue #02-01/02.
candicec@sph.com.sg
See also: Chew Chor Meng’s wife says his diseas is ‘a blessing in disguise’
The Straits Times, The New Paper, Shin Min Daily News, Lianhe Wanbao, MediaCorp
