Ben Yeo splurges S$80,000 on posh toilets for his new kopitiam

These days, it seems good food and 'gram-worthy interiors alone are not enough to attract customers. Eateries are pulling out all the stops, and that includes having aesthetically pleasing toilets.

Among them is Mediacorp actor Ben Yeo’s newly-opened kopitiam Tan Xiang Chai Chee.

Located in an industrial park, the 400-seat coffee shop, which cost S$800,000 (US$591,000) to set up, is styled like a wet market from the ’80s and ’90s, complete with vintage paraphernalia, retro-looking signage, and even “stalls” with props for your photo ops.

But what really got 8days’ attention are the four restrooms – two gents and two ladies – which are completely different worlds from the rest of the coffee shop. 

Modern and fancy, the washrooms situated at opposite ends of the sprawling eatery are the swankiest coffee shop toilets we’ve ever seen. Sorry Jio Kopitiam, you’ve got some serious competition.

SPLURGED S$80,000 ON STATEMENT TOILETS

Ben reckons they spent around S$80,000 to spruce up the washrooms.

“Since we were upgrading the toilets, we wanted them to have a totally different vibe, like that of a five-star hotel, to make them a talking point. We even installed Dyson hand dryers,” he said. 

MEN AND WOMEN GET TWO DIFFERENT TOILET THEMES EACH

The boys and the girls have access to two loos each. Each washroom is fitted with two sinks and two toilet bowls. One is designed like a resort with chiselled stone basins, faux gold fixtures and classical music streaming through the speakers. 

THE RESTROOMS ARE AS DIFFERENT AS NIGHT AND DAY

The other features a “darker, posh hotel vibe”. Kitted out with flashy faux gold sinks, black toilet bowls and urinals, marble-esque tiles and plants (real, of course), the loo certainly fulfills Ben’s request for “wow factor”.

THEY ARE AIR-CONDITIONED

The toilets are not only clean and smell fresh, they’re air-conditioned too, a welcome respite in this heatwave. In fact, the AC is so powerful, we were reluctant to leave the ladies' washroom.

“Most people are afraid to use the toilets in coffee shops 'cause they are usually very dirty, so we want to offer customers an unexpected experience. Currently, we clean them five times a day. We believe that we are the only industrial park canteen that has air-conditioned toilets,” said Ben.

Black toilets may look sleek, but are very difficult to maintain, he added. He should know. He has one in his home.

BIDET THEFT AND OTHER LOO ISSUES

Those hoping to check out the dark-themed men’s room may have to wait a bit longer.

Renovation has been delayed as the black urinals were damaged during shipping. The above image is an artist impression of how the gents will look like.

The urinals, which are from China, couldn't be delivered in time for their grand opening on May 8, Ben said, so they installed white ones for the time being.

"It’s quite ugly, but no choice,” sighed Ben.

That’s not the only hitch they faced.

Believe it or not, one of their bidet spray guns was stolen from the gents just days after they opened their doors for business.

“Our cleaning staff was the one who noticed the bidet spray head missing. It was taken during kopitiam operating hours. We have since replaced it but if it gets stolen again, we will remove the whole bidet spray altogether,” said Ben.

“I don’t understand why anyone would want to steal a used bidet spray. A brand new one costs just a few dollars.”

Tan Xiang Chai Chee is at 510 Chai Chee Lane, Singapore 469027. Open daily from 6am - 10pm. More info on Instagram.

This story was originally published in 8Days.