THE impending closure of Kong Thai Lai coffee shop in Dickens Street, George Town, next month will mark the end of a three-generation family business, with owner Gary Tan deciding against relocating or continuing the operation elsewhere.
Tan, 68, said the decision comes as he looks forward to retirement after spending much of his life in the coffee shop trade.
“I think I need a good break and a good rest. I’ve had enough of this and it’s time to move on,” he said when met at the coffee shop today.
Kong Thai Lai is expected to serve its last customers on Sept 26, bringing an end to a business that has become a familiar gathering spot for generations of Penangites.
Known for its traditional Hainanese-style coffee, charcoal-grilled toast and half-boiled eggs, the coffee shop has long been a favourite breakfast spot among locals and visitors alike.
The coffee shop is perhaps best known as the favourite haunt of the late business tycoon Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, while Malaysian billionaire Tan Sri Robert Kuok was also among its patrons.
Tan said although he had once considered operating for another two to four years, the prospect of starting over at a new location no longer appealed to him.
“When you move to another place, there’s a lot of work to be done and the expenses are all there,” he said, adding that many customers had urged him to find another premises and continue the business.
The coffee shop’s journey took it from Hutton Lane to Leith Street before settling at its present location on Dickens Street, where it has remained a well-known hangout for decades.
Tan, who travels daily from his home in Bukit Gambir, said his routine typically begins at about 7am as he prepares the shop for the day.
Reflecting on the upcoming closure, he described his feelings as mixed.
“It’s sad that I’m finishing up this business, but I’m also happy that I’m having a good break,” he said.
Despite being the third generation of his family to run the business, Tan mentioned the legacy will end with him as his only son has no interest in taking over.
“He won’t be doing it. That’s the end of the era,” he said.
Asked about his plans after retirement, Tan said he has yet to decide on his next chapter and is focused solely on taking a break.
“At the moment, I’m not thinking of anything. I just need a good rest and we’ll go on from there,” he said.
For now, Tan is preparing to bid farewell to the customers who have supported Kong Thai Lai throughout its years of operation, as the coffee shop prepares to close its doors for the final time.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En