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Service with a smile: Khor (left) serving her eager customers at her coffee shop and eatery at the Batu Lanchang food court. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.
GEORGE TOWN: Instead of lounging around the house during the second day of Chinese New Year, some coffee shop and stall operators are reopening their eateries to brisk business as families take a break from home-cooked food.
Yeap Poh Beng, who sells eggs and toast, said business was good and she didn’t mind skipping the New Year celebrations to reopen yesterday.
“We celebrated with the family on the first day, and they understand that we have a business to run,” said the 58-year-old when met at her stall in Batu Lanchang.
“I allow my workers who want the day off to go on a break as I can manage with some part-time workers.
“Over the years, we realised how lucrative it is to reopen earlier than others because of the ‘balik kampung’ crowd who want to have the local favourites before they go back,” she said.
Yeap shared that she charged a little extra on the second day, but her customers weren’t complaining.
Khor Ruh Tyng, 38, who operates a coffee shop and local delights stall, said that after a few days of eating home-cooked food during the days leading up to the celebration, many wanted a break and a change.
“Those who celebrate usually slog in the kitchen and cook meals for the few days leading up to the celebration and the first day of the new year,” she said.
“This means that by day two, they are worn out and want a change. There are also many who come from outside the state to celebrate here.
“After eating home-cooked food these past few days, they want to take it easy and enjoy eating out,” said Khor, who has been running the business for over a decade.
“We do charge 20sen extra just for today. They know it is for one day a year, and they understand that it is our celebration too,” she added.
Khor expects business to remain good for the next few days as most locals and those from out of state would still be on leave and want to dine out.