When we arrived at Cheng Tai Boon Beng, a long-time authorised retailer you can find at the basement of Cuppage Plaza just behind Orchard Point, we were ushered through a narrow corridor adjacent to the ticketing counters. It led to a little alcove that was cramp, but cosy. The outlet’s operators were obviously well-prepared to face the long hours that they worked—a small television set, an old-fashioned coffee table and a collection of snacks sat in the modest space.

Members of the family who were not manning the counter gathered around us to listen as we talked to Mr Tan Teck Hock about their experience with Singapore Pools. Among those gathered were Mr Tan’s daughter and his granddaughter.

The interview was a family affair for the Tans, just as it had been running the business for close to 30 years.

Mr Tan of Chen Tai Boon Beng, is a tall, elderly man with a pleasant smile, and the habit of adjusting his large spectacles far more often than I would imagine is necessary.

He said that his outlet’s central location along Orchard allows it to serve both working individuals in the area as well as casual shoppers especially during lunch time, and the popular Japanese restaurants in the building which had been featured on local food blogs draw in serious foodies in search of authentic dishes.

“It would be even better,” he added, “if more shops operate in the day instead of at night when we are closed.”

Despite the various challenges, Cheng Tai Boon Beng has managed to maintain its performance all throughout these years. The retail outlet is managed by a single family spanning two generations, and they say it is likely to remain a family business.

“It feels like we’ve been here at Cuppage Plaza all our lives and we’re still going strong,” said Mr Tan.

Address :

5 Koek Rd,

Cuppage Plaza, #B1-22, Singapore 228796

 

Operating Hours

This article is part of the “Know Your Retailers” series that takes you closer to the people behind the Singapore Pools retail outlets as they strive to provide you with their best service.