Kota Kinabalu: One can hardly find a seat at times, especially on weekends but the success did not go to the heads of Tham Kin Hoon and Tan Yap Choon.
Unlike other operators who would keep raising prices, the family from Nibong Tebal, Penang, decided not to follow that route 27 years later.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Tham, 63, and husband Tan, 68, realised many could not afford dining out or even enjoy cakes or pastry.
The Pinn Xiang food eatery in Kepayan has become a local favourite since. This shop has been patronised by many due to the low prices.
With prices starting as low as 50 sen for a butter bun and only RM1.50 for a cup of coffee, it’s a go-to spot for many.
They started as a nameless small shop for 15 years, before moving a few blocks away to their current location, where they have been for the last 12 years.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});To celebrate their 12th anniversary at the current location, Tham served complimentary cakes to every customer, as gesture of appreciation.
The couple decided the food business was the best option as they lacked the money in the beginning.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});When they closed shop for the day, it was a short walk to their low-cost home in Kepayan.
Knowing that many people enjoyed to destress over coffee but could not afford to do so all the time, they decided to keep prices low.
“I understand how people feel about eating out.
“That’s why my family takes the role of being accommodative, not charging too high a price.
“We never run out of customers; there are always many people coming to our shop. We welcome everyone, and I truly understand that some don’t have enough, so here we are, charging very reasonable prices.”
Many of her regular customers have been loyal for over a decade, appreciating the food and the quality presentation.
Tham’s daughter, who studied baking and pastry-making, also contributes to the family business.
