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Old Chang Kee ([http://www.oldchangkee.com/index.htm official website]) is a well recognised food and beverage chain that originated in Singapore. It is well-known for its Hainanese-style curry puffs and assorted fried snacks. As of 2019, Old Chang Kee has 77 outlets in Singapore. Over the years, it has also expanded to Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and United Kingdom, selling approximately 1.5 million curry puffs a month worldwide.<ref>Quek, Eunice. “Old Chang Kee opens in London’s Covent Garden”. The Straits Times. June 4, 2018. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/old-chang-kee-opens-in-londons-covent-garden-on-june-6 </ref> According to the official annual report for Old Chang Kee in 2018, the brand had made SGD$85,487,000 that financial year.<ref>Old Chang Kee. "Annual Report 2018". Accessed on 11 March 2019. For more information on Old Chang Kee's yearly revenue (from FY  2014): http://oldchangkee.listedcompany.com/misc/ar2018.pdf</ref>
[[File:Old Chang Kee Curry Puff EatBook.jpg|thumb|''Old Chang Kee is recognised for its signature curry puffs. Photo credit to [https://eatbook.sg/chicken-rice-curry-puff/ Eatbook.sg].'']]
Old Chang Kee is a Singaporean food business specialising in the production and retail of assorted fried snacks. From 2013 to 2016, Old Chang Kee won the 'Top Brand' award consecutively at the Influential Brands Awards. In 2017, the brand made it to the awards' Hall of Fame.<ref>"[http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-awards.htm Our Awards]". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 11 March 2019.</ref> As of June 2020, Han Keen Juan is the Executive Chairman of the company while William Lim Tao-E is the Chief Executive Officer.<ref>"[http://oldchangkee.listedcompany.com/directors.html Board Of Directors]". ''Old Chang Kee''. Accessed on 18 June 2020.</ref> According to the brand's [https://www.oldchangkee.com/index.htm website], Old Chang Kee has 78 outlets across Singapore and operates in four countries.<ref>"[https://www.oldchangkee.com/outlets.htm#outlet Outlets]". ''Old Chang Kee''. Accessed on 18 June 2020.</ref>


==Origins==
==Background==
In 1956, Chang Chuan Boon, a Hainanese foreigner opened a food stall at Koek Road (currently located between Orchard Point and Orchard Plaza).<ref>Seah, R. “New face at Old Chang Kee”. Today. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/today20050110-1.1.20 </ref> The stall sold Hainanese-style curry puffs, a fried pastry filled with chicken, egg and potatoes, infused with a variety of herbs and spices.<ref>"About Us - Our Heritage". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-heritage.htm </ref>  Chang then moved his stall from Koek Road to Albert Street. In 1973, Chang opened another stall outside Rex Cinema along Mackenzie Road. This stall is officially recognised as the first flagship stall of Old Chang Kee.<ref>"About Us - Our Heritage". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-heritage.htm </ref> The stall in Albert Street became the main manufacturer of the curry puffs. The uncooked curry puffs were then delivered to the stall outside Rex Cinema and were fried to order. The curry puffs were very popular among the locals and it became widely known as the “Rex Curry Puff”. In 1981, the Albert Street stall was relocated by the Environment Ministry in a move to re-home street-side hawkers into food centres.<ref>Suat Lian, Tan. "Albert Street to lose its flavour next month". ''The Straits Times.'' January 28, 1981. Accessed on 11 March 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19810128-1.2.68</ref>  
Old Chang Kee started as a nameless curry puff stall in the 1950s. Its owner was Chang Chuan Boon, an immigrant from Hainan. Chuan Boon retired and returned to China in 1986.<ref>Seah, R. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/today20050110-1.1.20 New face at Old Chang Kee]”. ''Today''. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019. </ref>


===Current management===


In 1986, Chang decided to stop working and return to China. Han Keen Juan then bought over the business from Chang at a sum of SGD$70,000 through a group of shareholders and named the stall “Old Chang Kee” to stand out from the other curry puff stalls at Rex Cinema.<ref>Seah, R. “New face at Old Chang Kee”. ''Today''. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/today20050110-1.1.20  </ref>
====Han Keen Juan====
[[File:Old Chang Kee Mackenzie Road.jpg|thumb|''The first Old Chang Kee stall along Mackenzie Road. Photo from [https://www.facebook.com/Oldchangkeeuk/photos/a.1663643570331618/2081816111847693/?type=3&theater Facebook].'']]
In 1986, a 37-year-old Han Keen Juan bought the curry puff stall from its founder, Chang Chuan Boon at a sum of S$70,000.<ref>Helmi Yusof. "[https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/weekend-interview/han-keen-juan Han Keen Juan]". ''The Business Times''. August 3, 2018. Accessed on 18 June 2020. </ref><ref>Seah, R. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/today20050110-1.1.20 New face at Old Chang Kee]”. ''Today''. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019.  </ref> The two had met through the Hainanese clan association. Han Keen Juan was responsible for spearheading the brand's local expansion in the 1990s.<ref>Ibid.</ref> In 1992, Han was the Rotary Club's 'Entrepreneur of the Year'.<ref>"[http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-heritage.htm About Us - Our Heritage]". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 4 February 2019. </ref> That same year, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises awarded him the title of 'Small Scale Entrepreneur' for his achievements with Old Chang Kee.<ref>“[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes19920618-1.2.11.4 Two winners raring to go abroad]”. ''The Business Times''. June 18, 1992. Accessed on 4 February 2019.</ref>


==Growth in Singapore==
====William Lim Tao-E====
[[File:Rex Cinema Old Chang Kee stall.jpg|thumb|''Mr. Han Keen Juan (right) pictured in front of the Old Chang Kee stall at Rex Cinema, Mackenzie Road in the 1980s. Photo from SG Magazine.'' ]]
William Lim Tao-E is Han Keen Juan's nephew.<ref>Tan, Lorna. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/straitstimes20080914-1.1.20 Curry puff boss has small appetite for risk]”. ''The Straits Times.'' September 14, 2008. Accessed  on 4 February 2019.</ref> He joined Old Chang Kee in 1995 and became the brand's Chief Executive Officer in 2004.<ref>Seah, R. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/today20050110-1.1.20 New face at Old Chang Kee]”. ''Today''. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019.  </ref> William went to Curtin University in Western Australia from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing.<ref>"[https://alumni.curtin.edu.au/document.doc?id=254 CEO PROFILE]". ''Curtin University of Technology''. Accessed on 18 June 2020.</ref>
In the early years of Old Chang Kee under the leadership of Han Keen Juan, there were other individuals who contributed to the growth of the brand. Han's cousin, Bugs Tan flew to Sri Lanka and India to study spices to ensure that the quality of the curry puffs remain consistent.<ref>“Old Chang Kee’s recipe for success”. ''The Business Times.'' December 9, 1991. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/biztimes19911209-1.1.11 </ref> Han’s nephew, William Lim contributed SGD$5,000 for advertising purposes after the stakeholders refused to invest for the project.<ref>Tan, Lorna. “Curry puff boss has small appetite for risk”. ''The Straits Times.'' September 14, 2008. Accessed  on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/straitstimes20080914-1.1.20 </ref> After 10 years of training from Han, William Lim eventually became the Chief Executive officer of the company.<ref>Seah, R. “New face at Old Chang Kee”. ''Today''. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/today20050110-1.1.20</ref> He helped to strategise for new projects by following the changing taste and preferences of consumers.<ref>"About Us - Our Heritage". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-heritage.htm </ref>  


===Origins===
Old Chang Kee traces its origins to 1956 when Chang Chuan Boon opened a food stall at Koek Road (currently located between Orchard Point and Orchard Plaza) selling Hainanese-style curry puffs.<ref>Seah, R. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/today20050110-1.1.20 New face at Old Chang Kee]”. ''Today''. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019. </ref><ref>"[http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-heritage.htm About Us - Our Heritage]". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 4 February 2019. </ref> These fried pastries were filled with chicken, egg and potatoes that were infused with a variety of herbs and spices. Chuan Boon then moved his stall to Albert Street. In 1973, he opened another stall outside Rex Cinema along Mackenzie Road.<ref>Neo, Linda. "[https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19800712-1.2.124.9 Curry puffs from old man Chang in Albert Street]". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 1980. Accessed on 18 June 2020.</ref> The curry puffs became widely known as the 'Rex Curry Puff'. In 1981, the Albert Street stall was relocated by the Environment Ministry in a move to re-home street-side hawkers into food centres.<ref>Suat Lian, Tan. "[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19810128-1.2.68 Albert Street to lose its flavour next month]". ''The Straits Times.'' January 28, 1981. Accessed on 11 March 2019.</ref>


By 1991, there were 12 Old Chang Kee branches in Singapore and customers had also started to order in bulk.<ref>Old Chang Kee’s recipe for success”. ''The Business Times.'' December 9, 1991. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/biztimes19911209-1.1.11 </ref> Han later shifted the manufacturing of curry puffs to a bigger factory in Ubi.<ref>"About Us - Our Heritage". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-heritage.htm </ref> He implemented new food production technologies such as electric dough mixers and automated potato peelers to regulate the quality of the curry puffs. The factory was able to manufacture more than 10,000 curry puffs a day.<ref>“Old Chang Kee’s recipe for success”. ''The Business Times.'' December 9, 1991. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: <nowiki>http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/biztimes19911209-1.1.11</nowiki></ref> He later provided capital for a 20,000 sq. feet modernised manufacturing amenity in Woodlands. From 1989 to 1991, Old Chang Kee's yearly revenue had risen from SGD$700,000 to SGD$1,600,000.<ref>“Two winners raring to go abroad”. Business times. June 18, 1992. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes19920618-1.2.11.4</ref> In 1992, Han was given the title of the “Entrepreneur of the Year” and “Small Scale Entrepreneur” from the Rotary Club<ref>"About Us - Our Heritage". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-heritage.htm </ref> and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises respectively.<ref>“Two winners raring to go abroad”. Business times. June 18, 1992. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes19920618-1.2.11.4</ref>
==Business expansion==
<br />
As of June 2020, Old Chang Kee outlets are presently located at petrol stations, shopping centres, MRT stations and bus interchanges. Over the years the brand has expanded its menu from just curry puffs to assorted fried snacks. It also offers delivery and catering services.
[[File:Old Chang Kee Coffee House at Rex.jpg|thumb|''Old Chang Kee Coffee House @ Rex located at the site of the original Mackenzie Road stall. Photo from SG Magazine.'']]
By 2002, business in Singapore was performing well. With 33 branches, the company earned an annual revenue of approximately SGD$14,000,000.<ref>Chow, H. “Want to make money? Work hard, with passion”. The Straits Times. December 4, 2003. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20031204-1.2.47.23.32 </ref> In 2005, Old Chang Kee attained its Halal certification from Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS). Two years later, the company also received the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) qualification for the production of curry puffs and administered a quality guarantee initiative.<ref>"Milestones". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Extracted from Annual Report 2018. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://oldchangkee.listedcompany.com/miles_stones.html </ref>


===Local expansion===
By 1991, there were 12 Old Chang Kee kiosks in Singapore.<ref>"[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/biztimes19911209-1.1.11 Old Chang Kee’s recipe for success]”. ''The Business Times.'' December 9, 1991. Accessed on 4 February 2019. </ref> The production was shifted to a central kitchen in Ubi that could mass manufacture the curry puffs.<ref>"[https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/inspiring-stories/old-chang-kee Old Chang Kee: From a small stall to a renowned global snack chain through automation]". ''Enterprise Singapore''. August 29, 2018. Accessed on 18 June 2020.</ref><ref>“[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/biztimes19911209-1.1.11 Old Chang Kee’s recipe for success]”. ''The Business Times.'' December 9, 1991. Accessed on 4 February 2019.</ref><ref>"[http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-heritage.htm About Us - Our Heritage]". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 4 February 2019. </ref> In 1992, ''The Business Times'' reported that Old Chang Kee's yearly revenue had risen from S$700,000 in 1989 to S$1,600,000 in 1991.<ref>“[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes19920618-1.2.11.4 Two winners raring to go abroad]”. ''The Business Times''. June 18, 1992. Accessed on 4 February 2019.</ref> With 33 outlets by 2002, the brand was reporting an annual revenue of approximately S$14,000,000.<ref>Chow, H. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20031204-1.2.47.23.32 Want to make money? Work hard, with passion]”. ''The Straits Times''. December 4, 2003. Accessed on 7 February 2019. </ref> In 2005, Old Chang Kee attained its first Halal certification from ''Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura'' (MUIS). The brand has over 70 outlets in Singapore as of June 2020.


In Singapore, Old Chang Kee outlets are presently located at petrol stations, shopping centres, MRT stations and bus interchanges. In more recent years, Old Chang Kee had expanded their menu to include a variety of food items. They offer a diverse range of food items from fried chicken wings to green bean desserts.<ref>Old Chang Kee Singapore. ''Facebook''. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/oldchangkee1956/</ref> The stalls also offer exclusive breakfast food items such as braised bee hoon, porridge and curry vegetables.<ref>"Singapore Breakfast Set". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.oldchangkee.com/breakfast-singapore.htm</ref> The company also currently offers delivery and catering services to homes, events and companies. The catering menu offers more nutritious and customisable food items in comparison to the outlets. For example, there are “Healthier Choice” food bundles where wholegrain rice is served.<ref>"Online Ordering". ''Old Chang Kee''. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.oldchangkeecatering.com/menus </ref>
====Flagship restaurant (2018)====
[[File:Old Chang Kee Coffee House at Rex.jpg|thumb|''The facade of Old Chang Kee's flagship restaurant. Photo from [https://sgmagazine.com/restaurants-shopping/news/old-chang-kee-flagship-store-rex-cinemas SG Magazine].'']]


 
In 2018, Old Chang Kee opened its flagship 50-seater restaurant in Singapore. Old Chang Kee Coffee House @ Rex is located at the site of the first stall owned by Han Keen Juan. Aside from the snacks that are traditionally sold at Old Chang Kee kiosks, the restaurant offers special menu items like curry chicken served with 'Flower Bread' and baked beef stew rice with cheese.<ref>Quek, Eunice. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/open-for-business-18 Open For Business: Old Chang Kee Coffee House @ Rex, Clan Cafe and East Manhattan-Bakery Cafe]”. ''The Straits Times''. June 3, 2018. Accessed on 7 February 2019. </ref>
In 2018, Old Chang Kee opened its flagship 50-seater casual restaurant in Singapore called '''Old Chang Kee Coffee House @ Rex'''. The nearest MRT station to the restaurant is Rochor (DT13). The outlet is located where the first Old Chang Kee food stall started at in 1956. On top of the food items that are traditionally sold at other local branches, the restaurant offers special menu items of local dishes such as curry chicken, served with flower bread and baked beef stew rice with cheese.<ref>Quek, Eunice. “Open For Business: Old Chang Kee Coffee House @ Rex, Clan Cafe and East Manhattan-Bakery Cafe”. The Straits Times. June 3, 2018. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/open-for-business-18 </ref>
===Overseas expansion===
<br />
In 1993, Old Chang Kee first expanded overseas to Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Japan, with the catchphrase “A Taste of Singapore”.<ref>Lee, J. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19970917-1.2.48.19 Going global the Singapore way]”. ''The Straits Times''. September 25, 1993. Accessed on 4 February 2019.</ref> In one and a half years, business in Malaysia and Indonesia respectively generated S$1,700,000 and S$1,000,000 in revenue.<ref>Low, Michelle. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes19941212-1.2.7 S’pore’s Old Chang Kee selling curry puffs in South Africa]”. ''The Business Times''. December 12, 1994.</ref> As of June 2020, the brand operates in four countries outside of Singapore. The following table provides more details of Old Chang Kees presence in each of these markets.[[File:Old Chang Kee London Convent Garden.png|thumb|''The storefront of Old Chang Kee's outlet at Covent Garden. Photo from [https://www.facebook.com/Oldchangkeeuk/photos/a.1663643570331618/2082700805092557/?type=3&theater Facebook].'']]
 
{| class="wikitable"
== Expansion overseas ==
!Year
In 1993, Old Chang Kee expanded overseas to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Japan, with the catchphrase “A Taste of Singapore”. By 1997, Old Chang Kee also expanded to Myanmar, South Africa, India and New Zealand.<ref>Lee, J. “Going global the Singapore way”. The Straits Times. September 25, 1993. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19970917-1.2.48.19 </ref> In one and a half years, business in Malaysia and Indonesia earned a revenue of SGD$1,700,000 and SGD$1,000,000 respectively.<ref>Low, Michelle. “S’pore’s Old Chang Kee selling curry puffs in South Africa”. The Business Times. December 12, 1994. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes19941212-1.2.7 </ref> In 1994, a manufacturing site was built in South Africa. The curry puffs produced were sold and distributed to 60 bars in Cape Town.<ref>Low, Michelle. “S’pore’s Old Chang Kee selling curry puffs in South Africa”. The Business Times. December 12, 1994. Accessed on 4 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes19941212-1.2.7 </ref> By 2002, Han had to close down 24 overseas branches in South Africa, Japan, New Zealand, India and Myanmar. The overseas outlets performed poorly due to poor standards of manufacturing.<ref>Cheong, S-W. “Jobless get preference at this curry puff chain”. The Straits Times. May 11, 2003. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20030511-1.2.9.10 </ref> The company faced a loss of approximately SGD$50,000.<ref>Cheong, S-W. “Jobless get preference at this curry puff chain”. The Straits Times. May 11, 2003. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20030511-1.2.9.10 </ref>
!Country
 
!No. of outlets
===Australia===
!Refs.
The first Old Chang Kee stall in Australia was launched at Waterford Plaza Shopping Centre, Perth in 2012. It offers similar food items as the outlets in Singapore. The outlet also sells rice sets on weekdays.<ref>Old Chang Kee Australia. ''Instagram''. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/oldchangkeeaus/?hl=en </ref>
 
===China===
In 2008, Han reattempted to open an outlet in China. It was located at YY Sports Mall along Chunxi Road, Chengdu province. Former politician, Mr Koo Tsai Kee and world-renowned singer, JJ Lin were invited to the opening ceremony. The eatery was decorated with paintings inspired by the company’s homeland, Singapore.<ref>Old Chang Kee Media Release. "OLD CHANG KEE MARKS ITS FORAY INTO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (“PRC”) WITH FLAGSHIP RESTAURANT IN CHENGDU". October 28, 2008. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://oldchangkee.listedcompany.com/newsroom/20081028_183234_5ML_A24ABD18948BC9BE482574ED002879D4.1.pdf </ref> In the same year, the restaurant closed down due to poor business.<ref>Yusof, Helmi. “Han Keen Juan”. The Business Times. August 3, 2018. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/weekend-interview/han-keen-juan </ref>
 
===Indonesia===
As of 2019, there are five branches in Indonesia, four stalls located at Jakarta and one outlet located at Bintan.<ref>"Outlets"''. Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.oldchangkee.com/outlets.htm#outlet</ref> For both years 2007 and 2008, Old Chang Kee collaborated with the Indonesian Franchisee and signed a franchise contract.<ref>"PROSPECTUS". Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://infopub.sgx.com/FileOpen/OLDCHA_1.ashx?App=IPO&FileID=3482 </ref> The outlets in Indonesia offer exclusive drink items such as avocado coffee, taro and brown sugar milk tea.<ref>Old Chang Kee Indonesia. ''Instagram.'' Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/oldchangkee_indonesia/ </ref>
 
===Malaysia===
[[File:Old Chang Kee at Covent Garden.jpg|thumb|''Storefront of Old Chang Kee in Covent Garden, UK. Photo from Insider Retail Singapore.'']]
In 2005, a manufacturing site was opened in Malaysia to produce seafood menu items such as crab claws and sotong balls.<ref>Quek, Eunice. “No. 2: Old Chang Kee”. The Straits Times. July 5, 2015. Accesssed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/no-2-old-chang-kee </ref> There are currently two stores in Malaysia, located in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor respectively. The outlets provide similar food items in comparison to the outlets in Singapore. In 2017, it attained the “halal” certification from ''Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM)''.<ref>"Milestones". Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://oldchangkee.listedcompany.com/miles_stones.html </ref>
 
===United Kingdom===
In June 2017, a pop-up stall was held at Kentish Town in north-west London. A total of approximately 1,200 puffs were sold, running out within four hours on both days of the event.<ref>Goh, Kenneth. “Old Chang Kee to open in London”. The Straits Times. June 1, 2017. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/old-chang-kee-curry-puffs-head-for-london </ref> Four months later, Old Chang Kee’s curry puffs were also featured at the “Visiting Singapore” event at London Cocktail week.<ref>Old Chang Kee UK. ''Instagram.'' October 6, 2017. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: <nowiki>https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ6Yf4LhlwU/</nowiki> </ref> Ms Sandra Leong, a London-based Singaporean suggested introducing Old Chang Kee’s puffs to the UK. She eventually collaborated with Old Chang Kee to open and manage the branch in Covent Garden, London in 2018.<ref>Goh, Kenneth. “Old Chang Kee to open in London”. The Straits Times. June 1, 2017. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/old-chang-kee-curry-puffs-head-for-london </ref> On top of the usual snacks, the eatery serves local Singaporean dishes such as nasi lemak and laksa.<ref>Quek, Eunice. “Old Chang Kee opens in London’s Covent Garden”. The Straits Times. June 4, 2018. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/old-chang-kee-opens-in-londons-covent-garden-on-june-6 </ref> The eatery was subsequently featured in UK print media such as Evening Standard, Daily Express and Times magazine. Notable individuals such as actor Ian McKellen and Malaysian artist Tiara Jacquelina have patronised the London eatery.<ref>Old Chang Kee UK. ''Instagram.'' January 2, 2019. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsIMck6F7pu/ </ref>
 
==Awards<ref>"Our Awards". ''Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 11 March 2019.Retrieved from: http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-awards.htm</ref>==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|'''Year'''
|'''Title'''
|-
|-
|'''2017'''
|2018
|Influential Brands HALL OF FAME
|United Kingdom
|1
|<ref>Quek, Eunice. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/old-chang-kee-opens-in-londons-covent-garden-on-june-6 Old Chang Kee opens in London's Covent Garden]". ''The Straits Times''. June 4, 2018. Accessed on 18 June 2020.</ref>
|-
|-
|'''2016'''
|2012
|Influential Brands Award
|Australia
|1
|<ref>Old Chang Kee Australia. ''Instagram''. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/oldchangkeeaus/?hl=en</ref>
|-
|-
|'''2015'''
| rowspan="2" |1993
|Influential Brands Award
|Indonesia
|20
|<ref>"[http://www.oldchangkee.com/outlets.htm#outlet Outlets]"''. Old Chang Kee.'' Accessed on 18 June 2020.</ref>
|-
|-
|'''2014'''
|Malaysia
|Influential Brands Award
|2
|-
|<ref>Lee, J. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19970917-1.2.48.19 Going global the Singapore way]”. ''The Straits Times''. September 25, 1993. Accessed on 4 February 2019.</ref>
|'''2013'''
|}
|Influential Brands Award
Sandra Leong, a London-based Singaporean, manages the Old Chang Kee branch in Covent Garden, London.<ref>Goh, Kenneth. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/old-chang-kee-curry-puffs-head-for-london Old Chang Kee to open in London]”. ''The Straits Times''. June 1, 2017. Accessed on 7 February 2019. </ref><ref>Helmi Yusof. "[https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/weekend-interview/han-keen-juan Han Keen Juan]". ''The Business Times''. August 3, 2018. Accessed on 18 June 2020. </ref> Notable public figures such as actor Ian McKellen and Malaysian artist Tiara Jacquelina have patronised the London eatery.<ref>Old Chang Kee UK. ''Instagram.'' January 2, 2019. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsIMck6F7pu/ </ref>
|-
 
|'''2012'''
==Branding==
|Best Fast-Food Chains in the World
When Han Keen Juan acquired Chang Chuan Boon's curry puff stall in 1986, he prompted named the stall to differentiate it from the other curry puff stalls in the vicinity.<ref>Seah, R. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/today20050110-1.1.20 New face at Old Chang Kee]”. ''Today''. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019.  </ref> He had also engaged an advertising agency to develop the branding of the business.
|-
|'''2008'''
|Singapore SGX Catalist
|-
|'''2007'''
|Lifelong Learner Award (Corporate Category)
|-
|'''2005'''
|SPBA - Heritage Brand Award


SPBA - Distinctive Brand Award
===Identity===
|-
Old Chang Kee identifies as a heritage brand. According to the marketing consultancy company, Identity Counsel, consumers reportedly identify the brand with authenticity, friendliness and honesty.<ref>"[http://identitycounsel.com/work/old-chang-kee Old Chang Kee]". ''Identity Counsel''. Accessed on 18 June 2020.</ref> Identity Counsel has worked with Old Chang Kee in refreshing its brand identity.<ref>IDENTITY COUNSEL Brand Consultants. "[https://www.linkedin.com/company/identity-counsel-brand-consultants/about/ Overview]". ''LinkedIn.'' Accessed on 18 June 2020.</ref>
|'''2004'''
|Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA) - Singapore Promising Brand Award
|}


==Other franchises in Singapore==
===Social media presence===
{| class="wikitable"
As of June 2020, Old Chang Kee Singapore has over 22,000 followers on its [https://www.facebook.com/oldchangkee1956/ Facebook] page and over 11,500 followers on [https://www.instagram.com/oldchangkeesingapore/?hl=en Instagram]. On its socials, the brand offers promotions and giveaways to its followers aside from other brand-related announcements.
|'''Year'''
|'''Business'''
|'''Description'''
|-
|'''2018'''
|O’ My Kampong
|A nostalgic Kampong-inspired eatery that serves Asian-inspired dishes and also sells knick knacks and snacks from an older Singapore. The restaurant is located at Sengkang Riverside Park.<ref>"About us". ''Facebook.'' Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/pg/OMyKampong/about/</ref>
|-
|
|O’ My Darling
|A catering company that provides snacks and prepared food servings.It also provides delivery services for Dip ‘n’ Go. The company also actively participates in charity programmes and community involvement activities.<ref>''Facebook''. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/O-My-Darling-509218529147164/ </ref>
|-
|'''2015'''
|Bun Times ([http://www.buntimes.com.sg/ official website])
|A food stall serving Hainanese-style buns.<ref>"About Us". ''Bun Times.'' Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.buntimes.com.sg/about-us.html</ref> There are 2 outlets at Joo Koon and Tiong Bahru respectively.
|-
|'''2013'''
|Dip ‘n’ Go
([http://www.dipngo.com.sg/ official website])
|A fast food stall serving fried snacks located at Woodlands.<ref>"About Us". ''Dip n Go.'' Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.dipngo.com.sg/aboutus.html</ref>
|-
|'''2012'''
|Curry Times
([http://www.currytimes.com.sg/index.htm official website])
|A restaurant that specialises in curry dishes. There is currently 5 outlets island and 1 branch for delivery services.<ref>''Curry Times.'' Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.currytimes.com.sg/location.htm</ref>
|-
|'''2010'''
|Mushroom Cafe
|An outdoor eatery located at Macritchie Reservoir Park that serves both local and international cuisines.<ref>''Facebook.'' Accessed on 7 february 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/MushroomCafeInThePark/ </ref>
|-
|'''2008'''
|The Pie Kia Shop
|Food stall selling a variety of savoury and sweet pies. The outlets are currently no longer in operation.<ref>''Yelp''. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.yelp.com.sg/biz/the-pie-kia-shop-singapore-2 </ref>
|}


==Citations / References==
==Citations / References==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Singapore Brands]]

Latest revision as of 17:51, 18 June 2020

Old Chang Kee is recognised for its signature curry puffs. Photo credit to Eatbook.sg.

Old Chang Kee is a Singaporean food business specialising in the production and retail of assorted fried snacks. From 2013 to 2016, Old Chang Kee won the 'Top Brand' award consecutively at the Influential Brands Awards. In 2017, the brand made it to the awards' Hall of Fame.[1] As of June 2020, Han Keen Juan is the Executive Chairman of the company while William Lim Tao-E is the Chief Executive Officer.[2] According to the brand's website, Old Chang Kee has 78 outlets across Singapore and operates in four countries.[3]

Background

Old Chang Kee started as a nameless curry puff stall in the 1950s. Its owner was Chang Chuan Boon, an immigrant from Hainan. Chuan Boon retired and returned to China in 1986.[4]

Current management

Han Keen Juan

The first Old Chang Kee stall along Mackenzie Road. Photo from Facebook.

In 1986, a 37-year-old Han Keen Juan bought the curry puff stall from its founder, Chang Chuan Boon at a sum of S$70,000.[5][6] The two had met through the Hainanese clan association. Han Keen Juan was responsible for spearheading the brand's local expansion in the 1990s.[7] In 1992, Han was the Rotary Club's 'Entrepreneur of the Year'.[8] That same year, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises awarded him the title of 'Small Scale Entrepreneur' for his achievements with Old Chang Kee.[9]

William Lim Tao-E

William Lim Tao-E is Han Keen Juan's nephew.[10] He joined Old Chang Kee in 1995 and became the brand's Chief Executive Officer in 2004.[11] William went to Curtin University in Western Australia from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing.[12]

Origins

Old Chang Kee traces its origins to 1956 when Chang Chuan Boon opened a food stall at Koek Road (currently located between Orchard Point and Orchard Plaza) selling Hainanese-style curry puffs.[13][14] These fried pastries were filled with chicken, egg and potatoes that were infused with a variety of herbs and spices. Chuan Boon then moved his stall to Albert Street. In 1973, he opened another stall outside Rex Cinema along Mackenzie Road.[15] The curry puffs became widely known as the 'Rex Curry Puff'. In 1981, the Albert Street stall was relocated by the Environment Ministry in a move to re-home street-side hawkers into food centres.[16]

Business expansion

As of June 2020, Old Chang Kee outlets are presently located at petrol stations, shopping centres, MRT stations and bus interchanges. Over the years the brand has expanded its menu from just curry puffs to assorted fried snacks. It also offers delivery and catering services.

Local expansion

By 1991, there were 12 Old Chang Kee kiosks in Singapore.[17] The production was shifted to a central kitchen in Ubi that could mass manufacture the curry puffs.[18][19][20] In 1992, The Business Times reported that Old Chang Kee's yearly revenue had risen from S$700,000 in 1989 to S$1,600,000 in 1991.[21] With 33 outlets by 2002, the brand was reporting an annual revenue of approximately S$14,000,000.[22] In 2005, Old Chang Kee attained its first Halal certification from Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS). The brand has over 70 outlets in Singapore as of June 2020.

Flagship restaurant (2018)

The facade of Old Chang Kee's flagship restaurant. Photo from SG Magazine.

In 2018, Old Chang Kee opened its flagship 50-seater restaurant in Singapore. Old Chang Kee Coffee House @ Rex is located at the site of the first stall owned by Han Keen Juan. Aside from the snacks that are traditionally sold at Old Chang Kee kiosks, the restaurant offers special menu items like curry chicken served with 'Flower Bread' and baked beef stew rice with cheese.[23]

Overseas expansion

In 1993, Old Chang Kee first expanded overseas to Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Japan, with the catchphrase “A Taste of Singapore”.[24] In one and a half years, business in Malaysia and Indonesia respectively generated S$1,700,000 and S$1,000,000 in revenue.[25] As of June 2020, the brand operates in four countries outside of Singapore. The following table provides more details of Old Chang Kees presence in each of these markets.

The storefront of Old Chang Kee's outlet at Covent Garden. Photo from Facebook.
Year Country No. of outlets Refs.
2018 United Kingdom 1 [26]
2012 Australia 1 [27]
1993 Indonesia 20 [28]
Malaysia 2 [29]

Sandra Leong, a London-based Singaporean, manages the Old Chang Kee branch in Covent Garden, London.[30][31] Notable public figures such as actor Ian McKellen and Malaysian artist Tiara Jacquelina have patronised the London eatery.[32]

Branding

When Han Keen Juan acquired Chang Chuan Boon's curry puff stall in 1986, he prompted named the stall to differentiate it from the other curry puff stalls in the vicinity.[33] He had also engaged an advertising agency to develop the branding of the business.

Identity

Old Chang Kee identifies as a heritage brand. According to the marketing consultancy company, Identity Counsel, consumers reportedly identify the brand with authenticity, friendliness and honesty.[34] Identity Counsel has worked with Old Chang Kee in refreshing its brand identity.[35]

Social media presence

As of June 2020, Old Chang Kee Singapore has over 22,000 followers on its Facebook page and over 11,500 followers on Instagram. On its socials, the brand offers promotions and giveaways to its followers aside from other brand-related announcements.

Citations / References

  1. ↑ "Our Awards". Old Chang Kee. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  2. ↑ "Board Of Directors". Old Chang Kee. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
  3. ↑ "Outlets". Old Chang Kee. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
  4. ↑ Seah, R. “New face at Old Chang Kee”. Today. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  5. ↑ Helmi Yusof. "Han Keen Juan". The Business Times. August 3, 2018. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
  6. ↑ Seah, R. “New face at Old Chang Kee”. Today. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019.  
  7. ↑ Ibid.
  8. ↑ "About Us - Our Heritage". Old Chang Kee. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  9. ↑ “Two winners raring to go abroad”. The Business Times. June 18, 1992. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  10. ↑ Tan, Lorna. “Curry puff boss has small appetite for risk”. The Straits Times. September 14, 2008. Accessed  on 4 February 2019.
  11. ↑ Seah, R. “New face at Old Chang Kee”. Today. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019.  
  12. ↑ "CEO PROFILE". Curtin University of Technology. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
  13. ↑ Seah, R. “New face at Old Chang Kee”. Today. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  14. ↑ "About Us - Our Heritage". Old Chang Kee. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  15. ↑ Neo, Linda. "Curry puffs from old man Chang in Albert Street". The Straits Times. July 12, 1980. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
  16. ↑ Suat Lian, Tan. "Albert Street to lose its flavour next month". The Straits Times. January 28, 1981. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  17. ↑ "Old Chang Kee’s recipe for success”. The Business Times. December 9, 1991. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  18. ↑ "Old Chang Kee: From a small stall to a renowned global snack chain through automation". Enterprise Singapore. August 29, 2018. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
  19. ↑ “Old Chang Kee’s recipe for success”. The Business Times. December 9, 1991. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  20. ↑ "About Us - Our Heritage". Old Chang Kee. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  21. ↑ “Two winners raring to go abroad”. The Business Times. June 18, 1992. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  22. ↑ Chow, H. “Want to make money? Work hard, with passion”. The Straits Times. December 4, 2003. Accessed on 7 February 2019.
  23. ↑ Quek, Eunice. “Open For Business: Old Chang Kee Coffee House @ Rex, Clan Cafe and East Manhattan-Bakery Cafe”. The Straits Times. June 3, 2018. Accessed on 7 February 2019.
  24. ↑ Lee, J. “Going global the Singapore way”. The Straits Times. September 25, 1993. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  25. ↑ Low, Michelle. “S’pore’s Old Chang Kee selling curry puffs in South Africa”. The Business Times. December 12, 1994.
  26. ↑ Quek, Eunice. "Old Chang Kee opens in London's Covent Garden". The Straits Times. June 4, 2018. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
  27. ↑ Old Chang Kee Australia. Instagram. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/oldchangkeeaus/?hl=en
  28. ↑ "Outlets". Old Chang Kee. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
  29. ↑ Lee, J. “Going global the Singapore way”. The Straits Times. September 25, 1993. Accessed on 4 February 2019.
  30. ↑ Goh, Kenneth. “Old Chang Kee to open in London”. The Straits Times. June 1, 2017. Accessed on 7 February 2019.
  31. ↑ Helmi Yusof. "Han Keen Juan". The Business Times. August 3, 2018. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
  32. ↑ Old Chang Kee UK. Instagram. January 2, 2019. Accessed on 7 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsIMck6F7pu/
  33. ↑ Seah, R. “New face at Old Chang Kee”. Today. January 10, 2005. Accessed on 4 February 2019.  
  34. ↑ "Old Chang Kee". Identity Counsel. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
  35. ↑ IDENTITY COUNSEL Brand Consultants. "Overview". LinkedIn. Accessed on 18 June 2020.
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