Meet these big-hearted businesses making a difference at Our Tanjong Pagar
Every business needs profit. But some have gone beyond their bottom line to also integrate nobler goals as part of their business objectives. Let’s learn about three that are located in Our Tanjong Pagar.
Share to:
Driven by something greater than just revenue and sales, three businesses in Our Tanjong Pagar have integrated “positive impact” into the core of their operations.
Let’s find out how each of them exemplifies our most aspirational values, and delivers on our claim of being a community with heart.
treatsure TACKLES FOOD WASTE WITH TECHNOLOGY
Launched in 2017, treatsure is a social enterprise that leverages the power of technology to combat the environmental problem of food wastage. Specifically, they have a free-to-download app that connects consumers to businesses (hotels, food retailers, grocers) that offer surplus food at low costs.
One of its co-founders, Preston Wong, shared the inspiring story behind treatsure.
How treatsure began
In 2016, co-founders Preston and Kenneth were still studying at NUS when they discovered that Singapore produces an overwhelming 700,000+ tons of food waste per year.
“We also noticed a gap in the market where there was a lack of technological solutions to tackle the problem as back then, sustainability was not as much in focus. treatsure was hence developed to help mitigate this problem and encourage everyone to treat food as treasure,” Preston shared.
Their partners in combating food wastage
Restaurants – especially buffets – are among the largest generators of excess food. treasure works with them and with retailers to keep that food from going to waste.
“Users of the treatsure app can visit our partner buffets in the last 30-60 minutes, where they can fill their meal boxes with whatever food items that are still on the buffet line (except those which are restricted for food safety reasons) for a greatly reduced price. Recently we also have retail partners such as Chocolate Origin and Cacaocat that provide us surplus chocolate cakes and chocolates at very affordable prices.”
Their team also works with grocery suppliers such as distributors, wholesalers, importers, etc., to sell imperfect or excess products and those nearing their best-by dates. All of these are available through their app or from their concept store at 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #02-109. Some of their most popular items are berries, granola, potato chips, local kale, and more.
Like any business, they face their share of challenges
Preston recognises that the idea of having ‘surplus food’ may not be appealing to customers.
“General mindsets toward surplus food remain a challenge we need to overcome as a society. We all need to put aside our personal biases and misconceptions and understand that very often, these food items can be both yummy and affordable as well.”
He believes that education and awareness are vital to treatsure’s mission.
“We hold workshops and team bonding for groups–usually for corporations and schools–that teach them how to create delicious eats and products from surplus or locally produced ingredients. We also help coordinate external events with organisations to make their activities and food procurement more sustainable,” he added.
Support for treatsure
The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, the National Environment Agency, and their alma mater, NUS, are supporting treatsure’s mission. They also receive support from private sector firms like DBS and UOB, as well as Microsoft and Google.
But of course, the best support they can get is a steady stream of customers – so get the treatsure app and start saving the planet (as well as your money) today!
For their their fellow Tanjong Pagar residents, treatsure is offering 10% off self-collected groceries when you order on their app. Just use the promo code OURTP10 (valid while stocks last).
JUICE STORIES – EMBRACING OLDER AND SPECIAL-NEEDS WORKERS
A visit to Juice Stories is always a feel-good experience. It’s not just the great food and healthy juices, but also the knowledge that you are supporting a worthy cause: empowering older and special-needs individuals to learn, earn and grow.
The cafe has been in Our Tanjong Pagar for three years now. They started out at The Enabling Village and are currently located at the Delta Sports Centre – favouring this neighbourhood because of its proximity to special needs schools.
Co-owner Annie Wong, who started Juice Stories as a post-retirement project, elaborates: “Our social enterprise café stands apart by intertwining inclusivity, sustainability, and community impact into every aspect of its operations. Unlike traditional cafes, we champion a diverse team of special needs and older workers whose dedication enriches our service with unique perspectives.”
Another reason to feel good: sustainable practices are built into their ways of working.
“Emphasising environmental stewardship, we opt for glass bottles for our juices and donate leftover pulp for composting, minimising waste and nurturing local gardens. Our mission is clear: to serve not only great food and cold-pressed juices but also to inspire positive change in our society and environment.”
How does staff training differ from regular cafes?
Juice Stories customises the training for each individual in their crew. “We tailored training experiences to cater to individual progress. Our approach involves providing bite-sized training sessions for every task, ensuring that learning is effective, manageable, and supportive of each crew member’s development journey.
This personalised training not only enhances skills but also fosters confidence and competence among our crew, empowering them to deliver exceptional service that aligns with our commitment to quality and inclusivity.”
A solid 5-star rating proves that their training works!
Positive customer ratings reflect their consistently high standards.
“Maintaining our 5-star Google rating is a testament to our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our service. We prepare our food and juices with love, ensuring each dish delights our customers’ taste buds.
Our special needs crews are integral to our success, serving with dedication and always putting our customers’ satisfaction first. We cultivate a cozy and cheerful atmosphere where patrons can enjoy their meals in comfort. Through continuous training, our crews are equipped to handle customer requests promptly and with care, enhancing the overall dining experience at our café.”
They have tasty offerings for everyone!
Their dishes contain no pork or lard, and all their meat is halal-certified.
If it’s your first visit and you’re looking for recommendations, Annie says their top sellers are cold-pressed juices like Fruitilicious, Haldi Wonders, and Beet Punch. For sandwiches, Avocado Energy, Mushroom Magic and Tenderlicious Chicken are some of their customers’ favourites.
What’s next for Juice Stories
Looking ahead, Juice Stories has plans to expand and explore other opportunities to work alongside differently-talented individuals with special needs.
“Our compassionate customers have shown great receptivity to our efforts in inclusivity, encouraging us to envision extending this model to smaller establishments and other sectors within retail. We are committed to creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered, reflecting our belief in the transformative power of inclusivity and diversity.”
GOOD CHONK – SUSTAINABLE LIVING FOR PETS AND OWNERS
If there’s anything that Good Chonk believes in, it’s that pets can be customers for sustainable products, too!
Good Chonk is a family-run company based in Henderson-Dawson offering high-quality, well-designed pet products which are sustainably made. They currently offer dog beds, bed covers and iron-on patches for doggie outfits.
Founders Pamela and Harry shared what inspired them to start this business.
“While shopping for our dogs Cloud and Luna, we noticed there was a lack of well-designed pet products that were made well and sustainably. We started Good Chonk to fill this gap, aiming to provide the best for our pets while also embracing eco-friendly practices. We believe every business, regardless of size, can make a positive impact.”
When asked how they came up with their business’ name, they said:
“We wanted a name that captures the playful and approachable nature of pets, and we aim to reflect these qualities in our products as well. We felt that Good Chonk is an endearing and memorable name because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good chonk?”
How eco-friendly are their pet products?
Good Chonk seeks to be as sustainable as possible at every step of their supply chain, from sourcing to production and delivery.
“Our dog beds are filled with kapok, a 100% organic material that is environmentally friendly in both its growth and production. It’s breathable, moisture-repellent, and naturally resistant to mould and dust mites. Kapok offers excellent orthopaedic support and also helps regulate your pet’s body heat. For the covers, we use easy-to-clean, biodegradable cotton.
We also use recycled polyester from plastic bottles and produce in small batches to reduce waste. Plus, our products are delivered in reusable bags or eco-friendly packaging made from tapioca and FSC-certified recycled paper.”
Do they plan to expand their offerings?
Based on feedback from cat owners, their beds are suitable for cats, too. They are also in the planning stage for outdoor pet gear like carriers and multi-functional treat pouches.
What are their future plans?
Right now, their main goal is to build brand awareness and scale locally. Once they’re established in Singapore, they hope to expand to major pet markets in the West, where there is a growing demand for eco-friendly products.
If you’re a pet owner, do support them and help bring their eco-friendly offerings to the world!
For their fellow Tanjong Pagar residents, Good Chonk is offering 10% off their products. Just use the promo code FRIENDS10 at checkout. They also provide complimentary delivery for orders over $60.
Do you run a big-hearted business, too?
We hope you’ve been inspired by the stories of these three amazing businesses in our town.
If you own a business that aims to make a similarly positive impact, do reach out to us. We’d love to feature you too!
