SINGAPORE - Since Western food stall The Original Botak Jones opened in Telok Blangah two weeks ago, the response has been overwhelming for the brand s founder Bernie Utchenik and his wife Faudziah Mohd Ali. Queues snake all hours of the day, often past the stall s two-hour break at 3pm. Mr Utchenik, 68, says in amazement: How the hell did we touch people so deeply that we still have a queue during a pandemic? I m astounded. Delivery and pre-orders have been put on hold till the crowd stabilises, says the Detroit-born Singaporean, who started Botak Jones back in 2003 in Tuas. The brand is best known for its hearty American comfort food served in generous portions.
June 11, 2021 Facebook/The Original Botak Jones When it comes to affordable, generously-portioned Western food, most people would immediately think of Big Bern s American Grill and Botak Jones both of which were founded by Bernard Utchenik, better known as Bernie. Well, Big Bern s American Grill may have closed its Timbre+ and Gluttons Bay outlets a few months back and Botak Jones has also shuttered all its outlets, but Bernard will be making a comeback with new stall The Original Botak Jones on June 14. The new outlet will be located at Yue Hua Eating House at 118 Depot Lane, he announced in a Facebook update on Thursday (June 10).