One more brew, then goodbye
Kong Thai Lai, a historic 106-year-old Hainanese coffee shop in Penang, is set to close permanently next month. The owners cited the loss of their premises and their advancing age as the primary reasons for ending the multi-generational family business.
Why it matters
The closure highlights the loss of cultural heritage and traditional businesses in rapidly developing urban centers.
GEORGE TOWN: A 106-year-old Hainanese coffee shop, favoured by some of Penang’s most prominent businessmen, will pour its last cup next month.
The closure of Kong Thai Lai will mark the end of a family business that has weathered generations, relocations and changing times here.
Established in 1920, the coffee shop is famed for its traditional Hainanese coffee and kaya and butter toast.
Now helmed by third-generation brothers Tan Jeng Seow, 68, and Tan Jeng Kiang, 77, the shop still makes its own kaya, and roasts and blends its own coffee beans.
Jeng Seow said the shop at Lebuh Dickens will stop operating on Sept 26 because the building’s owner decided to take back the premises.
“Another reason is that both of us are not young anymore. It’s time to call it a day.
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