Next time you’re dining at a Kopitiam food court, the person preparing your meal might just be the CEO himself. Henry Chu, the CEO of FairPrice Group’
Next time you’re dining at a Kopitiam food court, the person preparing your meal might just be the CEO himself. Henry Chu, the CEO of FairPrice Group’s Food Services Business, which operates the Kopitiam chain and Heavenly Wang eateries, regularly works shifts at Kopitiam outlets to understand firsthand what his employees experience daily.
Since taking on the CEO role in December 2022, Chu has committed to working as a “hawker for a day” once a month at one of the more than 100 Kopitiam locations across Singapore. From washing dishes to clearing tables, he tackles tasks alongside his team, even pitching in at new or understaffed stalls.
Chu recalled a particularly memorable day at a Heavenly Wang outlet just after the pandemic when he spent over an hour washing dishes by hand due to a broken dishwasher. “I walked in looking presentable and walked out completely drenched,” he shared with 8world, adding that such experiences help him appreciate the dedication of his staff and consider new tools or adjustments that could make a big difference for them.
He takes pride in supporting his employees during busy hours, giving them the opportunity to rest and recharge, setting an example that emphasizes teamwork and shared responsibility. Understanding industry-wide challenges, like labor shortages and rising costs, is crucial to Chu, who believes in firsthand engagement to better understand operations and seek improvements.
As a Teochew, Chu is also an enthusiastic cook with specialties in braised dishes, which he hopes to introduce at Kopitiam someday. Observing evolving customer preferences, he’s noted an increasing demand for healthier, simpler options post-pandemic. Under his leadership, Kopitiam has retired its physical card in favor of the FairPrice Group app, which is now widely adopted by customers, including seniors. Chu has also overseen the launch of Home Flavours, a line of ready-to-eat meals catering to busy individuals juggling work and family.
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