I was invited to Botak Jones‘ new lunch set menu food tasting session last Saturday (12 Dec 09). Didn’t know what to expect, so I went with an open mind. And boy, I was pleased, which inspired this post.

How does a Western food outlet situated at coffee shops get so much buzz when all other similar ones just wither away? The answer is easy when you know how Botak Jones does it.

1. Offer damn good food for your price point

We were served with 5 different dishes, buffet style. I must say that the food was good all around. That is the most basic expectation if you are a food outlet, isn’t it? Without good tasting food, what’s the point of any other embellishments. And when I say good food, I am comparing with other food court and coffee shop outlets that supposedly offer western food. (Whoever came up with the disgusting Chicken Chop?) For the price Botak Jones lives up to its promise, Damn Good Food for Damn Good Price. (if the same food was offered at a restaurant, it might be a different story)

Could other western food stall owners offer good food? Of course they can, but it takes effort, so they probably didn’t bother. You need to source for the right supplier, test out the right recipe and pair it with the right condiment. Is it great effort? I dont think so, if you want to build a brand not just earn a living.

But that’s not all, what I find is so strikingly different about Botak is that they have something that most others dont dare to have….

2. Have a personality

This is something that I keep promoting to all my clients and business owners in Singapore. People remember you because of your personality, not your resume. The same goes for your business. If you have a distinct (and consistent) personality, it will make people remember you. And in a crowded marketplace, and busy minds, having consumers remember you is already a big feat in itself.

Botak Jones exudes a sense of ‘chillex’. Right from their radio advertisements to the look of their staff, it’s all about ‘relaxed confidence’. When you know you are offering the best you can offer, you dont have to try too hard to prove yourself. And that is what Botak Jones does.

At the food tasting session, the staff were all in bermudas and t-shirt (which is presumably their uniform). And everyone wore a smile! That is almost impossible to get in Singapore’s coffee shops. I don’t know the truth, but they did seem happy to be working there. What was even better is that the marketing manager went around to chat with everyone who came. Now that’s a nice touch!

Well, they also gave out $5 vouchers, but hey, if they didn’t have a hold on me, I wouldn’t bother even if they gave me a $10 coupon. The good part is, I just discovered there’s a Botak Jones outlet just a stone throw away from my place. Yay!

The food tasting event was only my second visit to Botak Jones, but they did right for me, again. Thanks Bernie!

Here’s their lunch set, each comes with the salad set:

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