Long queues and new 24-hour stalls: Beloved Toa Payoh coffee shop reopens to buzzing lunch crowds
The reopening of a popular coffee shop in Toa Payoh has given stallholders a fresh start.
Kimly Coffeeshop, located at Block 206 Toa Payoh North, is a staple of the area, frequented by a lively and loyal lunch crowd.
The coffee shop recently reopened its doors on March 20 after a new operator, Kimly Group, took over.
The coffee shop received a total makeover - the tables and chairs, the kitchens and even the stall tenants have all changed, except for one.
The response to the refurbishment from stallholders and customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with both parties enjoying the cleaner and more polished facilities.
One patron, Mrs Chia, 55, mentions she often visits the coffee shop, as she lives close by.
"There are a few 24-hour shops here, so it is quite convenient to buy food whenever you want," she told Stomp.
Another customer, Mr Lim, 32, cheerfully says, "I come here quite often with my friends, it's a good place to hang around and the food is good."
He also comments that the coffee shop gets pretty busy during the lunch hours, but appreciates its "liveliness".
In the midst of the bustling lunch crowd, Stomp managed to speak to some of the stallholders about the reopening, even as they were busy serving long lines of eager diners.
One of them includes Poh Kee Chicken Rice, a long-time staple in the previous coffee shop with a faithful clientele.
Last year, Mr Poh, who runs the store with his wife and elderly father, faced some difficult customers after offering a $2 chicken rice promotion.
Now, things seem to be looking up for Mr Poh, who is delighted with the changes and a chance to start afresh.
While answering questions and tirelessly serving customers at the same time, the stall owner gushes: "Everything is new, the exhaust system, ventilation, the entire steel structure, and all the stalls are new except me.'"
Mr Poh noted that there was a "slight increase" in rental prices, "But that's to justify the renovation."
Business has improved for Mr Poh, and he has not faced any significant challenges with the change.
"I hope it continues to stay this way," he adds, in reference to the increased business.
Stomp also spoke to the staff of Riyana Indian Muslim Food, a new 24-hour stall.
They stated that their new upgraded facilities are "better" than that of their former location, with business picking up speed fast even as menu prices remain the same.
Even as they open in the new environment for the first time, they proudly remarked that they have not faced any obstacles so far and are optimistic for the future.
Overall, the revamped Kimly Coffeeshop marks an exciting new beginning for its stallholders and a welcome change for regular customers.
