A group of former Singapore Airlines cabin crew have opened up a new restaurant in Singapore. The restaurant, Kevin Khoo Bistro, brands itself as “for cabin crew by cabin crew,” adopting Singapore Airlines’ high service standard. Let’s find out more about this new venture!
New business
Kevin Khoo has been started by a group of former Singapore Airlines crew who wanted to continue in the service industry. This year hasn’t been easy for many, especially for those in the aviation and hospitality industries. On its website, the restaurant writes,
“Kevin Khoo Bistro was born in a time of social and economic adversity and uncertainty. A perfect outlet for our crew to shine, by tapping into what they are known for in the skies: Exemplary and impeccable service.”
SIA cabin crew opens Kevin Khoo Bistro, outdoor dining at Shenton Way manned by crew https://t.co/tAT4psFU5K pic.twitter.com/WKLDHHEPNp
— Mothership.sg (@MothershipSG) November 13, 2020
The unique restaurant name is not a reference to someone named Kevin Khoo but rather a popular meme regarding the pronunciation of “cabin crew” by some. The restaurant has leaned into this branding heavily, even offering anyone named Kevin Khoo (with proof) 40% off on their meal!
Helping cabin crew members
With tens of thousands of cabin crew losing their jobs due to the ongoing pandemic, including thousands in Singapore alone, the restaurant is hoping to tap into the years of training and experience each crew member receives. Singapore Airlines is known globally for its renowned service, giving its cabin crew a chance to use those skills in a new setting.
While a restaurant may not be the best business to jump into during the pandemic, the Kevin Khoo Bistro has a strong reason for this. On their website, they write,
Given the current economic climate, opening an F&B outlet in the CBD in the midst of a pandemic may seem like a questionable decision. But it’s because of this situation that drove its creation – to provide work for those who are currently displaced while they continue looking for longer-term placements.
The restaurant aims to provide laid-off or furloughed cabin crew a chance to have a job while looking for a new one. This is a small positive step for many crew members who might find themselves struggling this year. We wish the restaurant the best of luck in their new endeavor!
Singapore Airlines’ tough year
No airline wishes to let its cabin crew go unless they have a strong reason to do so. Singapore Airlines has seen deep losses this year as international travel ground to a halt and with no domestic market to serve. The airline reported its first-ever annual loss this year and has been forced to layoff over 4,000 employees.
The Kevin Khoo Bistro is located at 7 Shenton Way #01-04, Singapore and is open from 11:30 to 22:30 on all days except Sunday.
Tell us if you ever have a chance to visit the bistro! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
