Awfully Chocolate
Awfully Chocolate was founded in 1998 by owner Lyn Lee and her husband, John Yap, alongside a group of friends.[1] The homegrown brand has been in operations for more than 21 years as of 2019. The brand's flagship store opened in Joo Chiat with a single menu item - the Dark Chocolate layered cake.[2] Awfully Chocolate’s classic 6-inch chocolate fudge cake gained popularity over the years. In 2019, the cake was ranked #2 on 8days’ list of best Lana-style cakes in Singapore.[3]
Background
Founding
Lyn Lee graduated from National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Law degree.[4] She and her husband, John Yap, were practising lawyers before starting their confectionery business. After leaving their law careers, the couple travelled around France for more than 2 months. There, they had observed and experienced French confectioneries.[5] Upon their return to Singapore, the couple decided to set up a cake shop in Joo Chiat.[6]
Lyn and John reportedly spent over a year perfecting Awfully Chocolate’s classic chocolate fudge cake.[7] Lynn was inspired to create her ideal chocolate cake after realising that aesthetically pleasing chocolate cakes generally have underwhelming flavours.[8]
Popularity
In 2002, a Chinese variety television program titled “City Beat (城人杂志)” featured Awfully Chocolate in one of its episodes. After the broadcast, the cakes were reportedly sold out even before the store officially opened.[9] Over the years, Awfully Chocolate's products have been covered on many Singaporean food and lifestyle sites like DanielFoodDiary,[10] Miss Tam Chiak,[11] Eatbook.sg[12] and TheSmartLocal.[13]
Partnerships & outreach
Awfully Chocolate has become a name brand in Singapore, having been featured on local radio stations[14] and 8 Days Magazine multiple times.[15][16][17] Over the years, they have partnered with known brands like the following:
Year | Partner | Details | Refs. |
---|---|---|---|
2018 | Canon | Awfully Chocolate partnered with Canon, providing photo services for customers who bought their Mother’s Day celebration cake. | [18] |
2016 | Ninethirty by Awfully Chocolate hosted a Valentine’s Day Food photography workshop for couples. | [19] | |
2015 | Ninethirty by Awfully Chocolate hosted Canon EOS World Singapore for a 3-hour workshop on food styling and photography. | [20] | |
2015 | UNIQLO | Awfully Chocolate designed a T-shirt - "Awfully Sexy hor!" - in collaboration with UNIQLO's SG50 x UTMe! campaign. All proceeds were donated to Community Chest. | [21][22] |
2007 | Solution Details (business processes provider) | Awfully Chocolate integrated its retail and logistics processes with technology for more efficiency. | [23] |
Locations (Singapore)
Flagship store (Joo Chiat)
The Awfully Chocolate flagship store was relocated twice within Joo Chiat. As of 2019, the store is located at the cross junction of East Coast and Joo Chiat Road.[24] For more than 10 years since 1998, the store only sold the Chocolate Fudge Cake. Since then, the Joo Chiat store has been transformed into a bistro called Ninethirty by Awfully Chocolate, offering a wide selection of savoury food and desserts.[25]
Outlets
Lyn opened the second Awfully Chocolate store in 2004.[26] As of January 2020, there are 14 Awfully Chocolate outlets islandwide, including the Joo Chiat bistro.[27]
Cafes | Outlets |
---|---|
Greenwich V | ION Orchard |
Star Vista | Raffles City |
Jem | Great World City |
Vivocity | Tampines 1 |
McCallum Street | Square 2 |
313@Somerset | |
Suntec City | |
Marina Bay Link Mall |
Business franchise & ventures
Sister brands (2009 - 2013)
Awfully Chocolate launched Everything with Fries (EWF) in 2009,[28] JooJoo in 2010 and Loola’s Restaurant in 2011[29] selling a wide variety of F&B products ranging from burgers and fries to seafood and poultry.[30] However, these brands are now defunct. While some of its local ventures were short-lived, the Sinpopo Brand by Awfully Chocolate has seen some success.
The Sinpopo restaurant was first open for business in 2013 at Joo Chiat.[31] Since then, the brand has 4 outlets islandwide[32] each serving different menu items ranging from local Peranakan food to coffee, tea and pastries.[33][34]
Taiwan (2006 - 2013)
In 2006, singer Stella Ng worked with Awfully Chocolate to open a flagship store in Taiwan.[35] A year later, there was a legal conflict between Stella Ng and the company, resulting in her departure from the collaboration. In 2008, Stella started her own Taiwan-based confectionery store titled “Black As Chocolate” which also specialises in chocolate cakes. Due to rising rental costs and competition, Awfully Chocolate closed its Taiwan store in August 2013.[36]
Hong Kong (2008)
In 2008, Awfully Chocolate opened its flagship store in Hong Kong at Hysan Avenue. Inspired by the Lee Theatre, the store has a cinema-inspired theme, incorporating classic light bulbs and theatre seats. It was later relocated to Hysan Place.[37] The Hong Kong store is no longer in operation.
China (2007 - present day)
Awfully Chocolate opened its first flagship store in Shanghai in 2007. As of 2019, there are stores in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Haikou, Suzhou, Chongqing, Qingdao, Nanning, Zhengzhou and Chengdu.[38] There is also a manufacturing site and office in China.[39]
Product innovation
Awfully Chocolate had 1 type of cake to offer when it first opened in 1998. Over the years, the brand developed 2 more classic cake flavours - the Bananas Over Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Rum and Cherry Cake.[40] Since 2010, Awfully Chocolate began to offer more than just their 3 signature cakes.[41][42] The brand also launches special limited edition products during festive seasons. The following are some products offered by Awfully Chocolate.
Mid-autumn festival
Year | Product | Refs. |
---|---|---|
2019 | Chocolate Mooncake Truffles Collection
Handmade Mooncake collection baked with Shanghai pastry |
[43] |
2018 | Chocolate mooncake Truffle collection
Dark Chocolate mooncake collection |
[44][45] |
2017 | Blue Moon Chocolate Mooncakes Collection | [46][47] |
Chinese Lunar New Year
Year | Product | Refs. |
---|---|---|
2019 | Vibrant Fruitful Bloom Cake
Cacao Tea + Rum & Raisin Loaf cake Four Treasure chests (Almond Crumble, Roasted Soba, Baked Semolina, Dark Chocolate flavoured cookies) Beautiful Reunion Chocolate Tray |
[48][49][50][51] |
2018 | Chocolate Orange Marmalade Cake
Eight Fortune Hamper features either Chocolate flavoured bars and three jars of cookies Heavenly Abundance of Nine Hamper Prosperity Tea Hamper |
[52] |
2015 | Chocolate Lapis Cake with Rumball
Dark Chocolate Brownie |
[53] |
2014 | Fortune Chocolate Cups features flavours in Tea Pistacho, Orange and Mocha.
6-Inch Double Delight Chocolate Cake |
[54][55] |
2013 | 8” Dark Chocolate Cake + Dark Chocolate Truffles set
Kahlua Bars + Dark Chocolate Truffles set |
[56] |
Christmas
Year | Product | Refs. |
---|---|---|
2019 | Christmas Black Forest Cake.
Ruby Chocolate Raspberry Cake. Mont Blanc Caramel Apple. Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake. Glass Jar Premium 100% Dark Cocoa. Dark Chocolate bars and cookies in tins. Chocolate bites with almonds, cranberry, cinnamon and Macadamia. Box of Rum & Raisin Truffle |
[57][58][59][60] |
2018 | Caramel Chocolate Cake
Creme Brulee Cake |
[61][62] |
2017 | Black Forest Dark Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Log Cake |
[63][64] |
2016 | Chocolate Marquise Cake
Ganache Truffles Salted Butterscotch Brownie Double Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate Macadamia cookies Chocolate Bars - Smooth Milk, Bittersweet and Very Dark Egot Merlot Sangiovese |
[65] |
2015 | Chocolate Velvet Cake
Dark Chocolate Truffle Cubes Praline Truffles Chocolate Biscuit - Salt & sesame or Dark Chocolate |
[66] |
2014 | Traditional Christmas Log Cake
Whole Cakes - All Chocolate, Banana Chocolate and Chocolate Rum & Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu and Champagne Truffles |
[67] |
Mother's Day
Year | Product | Refs. |
---|---|---|
2019 | Chocolate Poached Pear cake | [68] |
2018 | Dark Chocolate Ganache Black Rice Cake + complimentary photo print by Canon
Classic All Chocolate Cake + Gorgeous Truffles collection set |
[69][70] |
2017 | “I Love You” Dark Chocolate Truffles | [71] |
2016 | Classic Whole Chocolate Cake
Ganache Dark Chocolate Truffles |
[72] |
2015 | Mother’s Day set - Hazelnut Chocolate Cake + Chocolate Champagne Cups | [73] |
2014 | 21 Dark Chocolate Rose Cake | [74] |
Father's Day
Year | Product | Refs. |
---|---|---|
2019 | Caramel Latte Chocolate Cake | [75] |
2017 | Classic Chocolate Cake + Chocolate Tiramisu jar set | [76] |
National Day
Year | Product | Refs. |
---|---|---|
2019 | [77] | |
2018 | [78] | |
2014 | [79] |
Valentines Day
Year | Product | Refs. |
---|---|---|
2019 | Dark Rose Chocolate Cake | [80] |
2018 | Dark Chocolate Ganache and Sea Salt Caramel Brittle (Gluten-free) | [81] |
2016 | 1 for 1 Truffles | [82] |
2015 | Heart Shaped All Chocolate Cake | [83] |
2014 - 2015 | The 21 White Rose Cake | [84] |
Easter
Year | Product | Refs. |
---|---|---|
2019 | Blue Pea Flower Angel Cake | [85] |
References / Citations
- ↑ “Awfully chocolate”. Solution Details. Accessed on 5 March 2019.
- ↑ The Story Exchange. “Passion, Business and Chocolate”. Youtube. October 28, 2011. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ Fong, Florence, Tan, Annette and Yip, Jie Ying. “10 Lana-Style Chocolate Fudge Cakes, Ranked From Worst To Best”. 8 Days. April 4, 2019. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ Wong, Velda. “Interview with Lyn Lee: Founder of Awfully Chocolate”. The Ridge Magazine. June 28, 2018. Accessed on 5 March 2019.
- ↑ “Awfully chocolate, IBM Business Partner case Study”. Solution Details. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ “How Awfully Chocolate’s founder went from connoisseur to entrepreneur”. BBC News. November 8, 2010. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ “How Awfully Chocolate’s founder went from connoisseur to entrepreneur”. BBC News. November 8, 2010. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ “How Awfully Chocolate’s founder went from connoisseur to entrepreneur”. BBC News. November 8, 2010. Accessed on 5 March 2019.
- ↑ “Awfully chocolate, IBM Business Partner case Study”. Solution Details. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ DanielFoodDiary. “10 Unique Chinese New Year Snacks & Goodies In Singapore, From Nasi Lemak Cookies, Ondeh Ondeh Cookies To Purple Sweet Potato Pineapple Tarts”. January 12, 2019. Accessed on 5 March 2019.
- ↑ Team Tam Chiak. “ION Orchard - 8 Best Eats in Singapore’s Food Haven!”. Miss Tam Chiak. July 4, 2018. Accessed on 5 March 2019.
- ↑ Eatbook. “BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE IN SG | Taste Testers | EP 59”. June 14, 2018. Accessed on 5 March 2019. YouTube.
- ↑ Ng, Tze Yen. “14 Drool-Worthy Chocolate Desserts Below $15 To Fix All Your Problems In Life”. TheSmartLocal. July 29, 2016. Accessed on 5 March 2019.
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. May 1, 2019. Accessed January 3, 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/posts/2843827998966313
- ↑ Fong, Florence, Tan, Annette and Yip, Jie Ying. “10 Lana-Style Chocolate Fudge Cakes, Ranked From Worst To Best”. 8 Days. April 4, 2019. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. March 14, 2014. Accessed January 3, 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/ld_07qpkus/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. October 4, 2018. Accessed January 3, 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/posts/awfully-chocolate-was-proud-to-gift-8-days-a-giant-chocolate-cake-to-mark-the-la/2449609221721528/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Instagram. April 26, 2018. Accessed January 3, 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BiB8YDHHiPP/
- ↑ “SValentine’s Day Food Photography workshop for couples”. EOS World Singapore. Accessed January 3, 2020.
- ↑ “SG50 Food Styling Workshop”. EOS World Singapore. Accessed January 3, 2019.
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. July 3, 2015. Accessed January 3, 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/4rZt-Tpkrq/
- ↑ Zhu, Kathleen. “UNIQLO CELEBRATES SG50 WITH UNIQLO STREET TALES & THEMATIC APPAREL FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!”. Asia Style. July 17, 2015. Accessed January 3, 2020.
- ↑ “Awfully chocolate, IBM Business Partner case Study”. Solution Details. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ The Star Online. “Sweet success with Awfully Chocolates Lyn Lee - Part 1”. YouTube. July 21, 2011. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ “East coast (Ninethirty by Awfully Chocolate)”. Awfully Chocolate. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ “How Awfully Chocolate’s founder went from connoisseur to entrepreneur”. BBC News. November 8, 2010. Accessed on 5 March 2019.
- ↑ “Locate us - Singapore”. Awfully Chocolate. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ “Everything with Fries (Closed)”. Open Rice. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ Wong, Ah Yoke. “Sweet Start for Loola’s”. The Straits Times. November 27, 2011. Accessed January 2, 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ Tan, Annette. “Grown-up grub ; With Loola’s, the Awfully Chocolate group takes on a more sophisticated market” TODAY. December 16, 2011. Accessed January 2, 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ Wohoo. “Sinpopo Cafe @ Joo chiat”. Youtube. November 22, 2017. Accessed January 2, 2020.
- ↑ “Locate us”. Sinpopo Brand. Accessed January 2, 2020.
- ↑ Sinpopo Brand. “About”. Facebook. Accessed January 2, 2020.
- ↑ “Singapore’s Best Brands”. Sinpopo Brand. Accessed January 2, 2020.
- ↑ Tan, Jason. “Awfully Chocolate makes Taipei comeback”. The Business Times. September 22, 2008. Accessed December 30, 2019. Retrieved from Newspapersg.
- ↑ Formosa TV General Channel. “不敵競爭 星國巧克力蛋糕撤出台-民視新聞”. YouTube. August 30, 2013. Accessed on 5 March 2019.
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate (Hong Kong). Facebook. August 18, 2015. Accessed on 5 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolatehk/
- ↑ "LOCATE US - OVERSEAS". Awfully Chocolate. Accessed on 6 January 2020.
- ↑ “How Awfully Chocolate went from shop to successful regional franchise”. Singtel. Accessed on 5 March 2019.
- ↑ “Loco for local: Delva into the bittersweet story of Awfully Chocolate”. Changi Airport. November 8, 2018. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ The Star Online. “Sweet success with Awfully Chocolates Lyn Lee - Part 1”. YouTube. July 21, 2011. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ The Story Exchange. “Passion, Business and Chocolate”. YouTube. October 28, 2011. Accessed 30 December 2019.
- ↑ “Make your mid-autumn gifting exquisite with awfully Chocolate”. Awfully Chocolate. Accessed 2 January 2020.
- ↑ “Mooncakes Singapore 2018 - Where to get the best mooncakes for mid-autumn festivals”. Lady Iron Chef. August 14, 2018. Accessed 2 January 2020.
- ↑ Tham, Sean and Xie, Huiqun. “Unique mooncake to buy this mid autumn festival”. Shape. August 27, 2019. Accessed 2 January 2020.
- ↑ K, Lynette. “Our favourite mooncake for this year’s Mid-Autumn Festivals”. Unscrambled SG. September 18, 2017. Accessed 2 January 2020.
- ↑ “AWFULLY CHOCOLATE – THE ONLY CHOCOLATE MOONCAKES YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE”. Lady Iron Chef. September 7, 2017. Accessed 2 January 2020.
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. January 25, 2019. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/posts/2596907573658358
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. January 14, 2019. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/photos/a.537615979587538/2596845486997900/?type=3&theater
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. January 22, 2019. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/photos/pcb.2596901513658964/2596898536992595/?type=3&theater
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. January 17, 2019. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/posts/2596894436993005
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. January 26, 2018. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/posts/our-chinese-new-year-collection-is-here-feast-on-our-new-chocolate-orange-marmal/2096870333662087/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. January 22, 2015. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/yH-ItEJkry/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. January 18, 2014. Accessed January 2, 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/jSlnVBJkkn/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. January 9, 2014. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/i7xAWXpkvO/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. February 2, 2013. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/photos/a.537615979587538/623454241003711/?type=1&theater
- ↑ “Jingle Bells Are Here: Time to Relish in Christmas Cakes & Hampers”. Awfully Chocolate. Accessed 2 January 2020.
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. November 21, 2019. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/B5HNRIyH6zN/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. December 17, 2019. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6KbGGqn7Nb/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. December 20, 2019. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6SEcEUn4i8/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. December 18, 2018. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrhvSK-hzcL/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. November 1, 2018. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpoft1XBqiS/
- ↑ “Awfully Chocolate’s Christmas Collection 2017”. Suntec City. Accessed 2 January 2020.
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. November 4, 2017. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BbePP7KH5_c/
- ↑ “Awfully chocolate Christmas Hamper - The Best Christmas gift idea for everyone”. Lady Iron Chef. December 8, 2016. Accessed 2 January 2019.
- ↑ “Hamper - The Ultimate Chocolate Box this Christmas”. Lady Iron Chef. November 20, 2015. Accessed 2 January 2020.
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. December 9, 2014. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/wXhDUnpkmV/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Instagram. May 9, 2019. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxO6HN6nBV9/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Instagram. April 26, 2018. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BiB8YDHHiPP/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Instagram. May 5, 2018. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BiYX5PsnyQ3/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. May 3, 2017. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BTns4m4hi6W/
- ↑ “The only chocolates by Awfully Chocolate that mom deserves for Mother’s Day”. Lady Iron Chef. April 26, 2016. Accessed 2 January 2019.
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. April 20, 2015. Accessed 3 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/2FmZSVpkmJ/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. April 28, 2014. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/nVMdhJpkpF/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. June 10, 2019. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/posts/2843827998966313
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. June 15, 2017. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BVW24ZcH7Fq/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. August 2, 2019. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/B0pWO4gHJDc/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. July 26, 2018. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BlsU22KnXSI/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. August 9, 2014. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/rdhSGapkpa/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. February 9, 2019. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/posts/2644724485543333
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. July 26, 2018. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BlsU22KnXSI/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate Singapore. Facebook. February 16, 2016. Accessed 2 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg/photos/heres-a-month-long-valentines-day-treat-for-everyone-awfullychocolate/1306176869398108/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. February 9, 2015. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/y2oA26JkuZ/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. February 5, 2014. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/kACu0VpkmG/
- ↑ Awfully Chocolate SG. Instagram. April 9, 2019. Accessed 3 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BwBX6krhZXo/