Viral 543 Laksa Hawker Closes Stall After Business Abruptly Fell By 50%
“I ended up cooking and not selling — it’s very frustrating when people are not coming [to my stall],” says Thian Le Yong, who closed his stall to hedge against losses.
After being featured by media outlets like 8days.sg, long queues started forming at Le Yong’s stall, which is located in a quiet coffeeshop within Senja-Cashew Community Club. “I teared a bit — I was happy and touched,” the 29-year-old tells us of his overnight business boom, which also saw Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan dropping by for laksa.
Closed his stall to avoid losses
Despite being in business for just four months, Le Yong forfeited his deposit to shut down his stall early. He had started preparing less food when demand slowed down, but still struggled with wastage. “I ended up cooking and not selling — it's very frustrating when people are not coming [to my stall],” he shares.
Bidding for new stall at upcoming Senja Hawker Centre
In the meantime, Le Yong is keeping busy by working on his personal projects and “part-timing at a bistro-bar”. But he has also worked out a continuity plan for his stall. “I’m waiting for Senja Hawker Centre to open to bid for a new stall there,” says Le Yong. A Bukit Panjang resident, he shares that he had also “written to my MP” to appeal for help in securing a space. He posted on Facebook: “543 Laksa will be back… Stay tuned.”
For more updates, go to www.facebook.com/543bukitpanjanglaksa.
No part of this story or photos can be reproduced without permission from 8days.sg.
Photos: Alvin Teo
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