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Popular Toa Payoh stall Poh Kee Chicken Rice was supposed to shut down, but will now only close temporarily before reopening on 20 Mar.
Michael Poh, the owner of Poh Kee had previously reported on the business’s Facebook page that the stall would be shuttering on 28 Jan. That was the final day of the then-Block 206 coffeeshop operator’s contract before it was replaced by Kimly Coffeeshop. Due to the instructions for him to shift out, Michael had no choice but to agree.
In late January, however, he was contacted by the new operator working with the Kimly Group. It turned out that Poh Kee had been identified as a stall that would be allowed to stay on the premises after the revamp. The hawker was initially hesitant, but agreed after a meeting with the Kimly Group management team.
While there will be an increase in cleaning and rental costs, it’s a better option than finding a new location and rebuilding the business from scratch. This time, Poh Kee Chicken Rice will remain for another 2 years in the same location, starting 20 Mar when the coffeeshop reopens.
In a way, the good news is well deserved. The stall’s pillar of support – its regulars – haven’t stuck around its almost 10 years of operation for nothing. Mr Poh has quite the reputation for being a friendly, generous individual whose good values are reflected in his actions.
In 2024, Mr Poh held a promotion he dubbed “Customer Appreciation Day” out of gratitude for his regular customers. He had planned to sell his dishes at a discounted price of S$2, but the event backfired due to the demands of many rude first-time diners who had queued up just for the steal.
He also gained much attention when back in 2023 when he defended a visually impaired customer who had a police report made against her for bringing a guide dog.
If you ask me, Poh Kee Chicken Rice’s reopening is definitely something to look forward to. Welcome back, Mr Poh!
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