Brewing a New Era of Coffee Excellence
By the Kings Cart Coffee Team 10/09/2024
Hello, this is Ronald, the founder of Kings Cart Coffee. Let me share with you our little story and how we came to be.
Our Journey: A Blend of Passion and Innovation
Event Coffee Cart
Kings Cart Coffee started in 2017 as a coffee cart service provider to events.
We had a simple idea - We wish to provide good quality coffee as compared to run-of-the mill-variants that are usually drawn from automatic coffee machines in small to large-scale events. We believe that our consumers will understand and appreciate a good cup of coffee. They should also have easy access to it regardless of the venue. On top of that, we also believe that corporations can build a prestigious brand image when they provide their guests something artisanal to enjoy.
Since 2017, we have done more than thousand of events ranging from large scale corporate symposiums to intimate weddings.
<Kings Office> In-House Barista Service
The idea of an in-house office barista service is to create a community within large offices so that colleagues of different departments or corporate hierarchy can come together, interact, and develop deeper relationships over a common cup.
On top of that, we brought a subtle yet profound form of prestige to the companies through our engagements. Guests are often very impressed by the quality of coffee, the eloquence of our baristas and the kind of employee benefit that is provided. This developed a level of respect for the parent company that employed our services. In 4 years, we have successfully secured 15 large corporations. On top of that, we actively seek and work with needy individuals of society by engaging and training them with coffee knowledge so that they can be equipped with necessary skill sets to remain employable.
Kings Cart Coffee Factory – Joo Chiat Road
Unfortunately, Covid hit us, and like everyone, we found ourselves in a pickle. We had so many different types of beans to brew, and creative dreams to fulfill, so we rolled up our sleeves, pivoted and launched the Kings Cart Coffee Factory.
The factory acts as our playground for coffee lovers. Our creative team went wild, whipping up everything from Coconut Cold Brews to espresso cocktails. The pandemic was not just a blessing in disguise, it was a total game-changer for our team—a real coffee renaissance.
Kings Cart Coffee - Bishan library
Better Careers and Wages
2020 wasn’t just about overcoming challenges; it was about enabling our staff’s professional growth. With help from NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), we found ways to automate and improve jobs through the Inclusive Growth Programme and the WorkPro Job Redesign Initiative.
By 2022, we continued to make our work environment more dynamic and fulfilling. Our baristas had doubled their productivity, which enabled them to take regular breaks and work more efficiently.
With e2i’s support, we’ve been able to train individuals from diverse backgrounds, turning passionate novices into skilled baristas, coffee artisans and even certified F&B Mystery Judges!
Picture: Memorandum of Understanding signing between Kings Cart Coffee and FDAWU (Source)
More recently, in 2023, we signed a memorandum of understanding to form a Company Training Committee (CTC) with the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) (pictured above). Together, we looked into business transformation and training needs to help our team level up, and snag better wages and career prospects.
With the support of e2i, we applied for CTC funding and made strategic investments in advanced coffee brewing systems equipped with automation features to significantly boost production speed. We also integrated a comprehensive café operation system that streamlined the entire process—from self-ordering to kitchen management and CRM—effectively reducing manual labor and minimizing human errors. The time saved from these efficiencies was redirected into staff training, utilizing a new sample coffee roaster to enhance skill development. This initiative not only allowed us to create a robust training and career development roadmap but also helped us cultivate a work environment that promotes a healthier work-life balance for our team.
What’s Next: Brewing the Future
As we look ahead, Kings Cart Coffee is excited to share the new ventures we’re embarking on!
1. Overseas Expansion: Brewing Across Southeast Asia
We hope to expand Kings Cart Coffee in different parts of Southeast Asia. This means you’ll get to sip on our signature blends, no matter where you are in the region!
2. New F&B Vibes: Day Coffee, Night Alcohol
We’re super pumped to roll out our new F&B concepts that swing over from cozy morning cafes to buzzing evening bars.
Start your day with the perfect brew and wind down with a crafted cocktail in the evening. This "Day Coffee, Night Alcohol" model (also dubbed "café by day, bar by night") is all about making the most of our spaces, catering to diverse tastes, and creating good vibes, be it day or night.
Check out what we’ve got:
Kings Cart Coffee Factory + Joo Chiat Oyster House:
Artisanal coffee and handcrafted food by day; oysters, cocktails, mains, and desserts by night.
Coffee Factory vs Oyster Bar
Japanese garden vibes café in the day + "楽しい" (tanoshii) Izakaya at night
Japanese Café vs Izakaya
3. Making Sustainability Visible
Sustainability is at the core of what we do. We’re all about:
Responsible Consumption and Production: Cutting down food waste and giving it a new life in our economy.
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Boosting productivity through smart training and innovation.
Decent Work and Economic Growth: Opening doors for those who need it most.
At Kings Cart Coffee, we’re not just about brewing the next cup; we’re about brewing a better future. This means every cup of coffee you enjoy supports a business that’s looking out for our planet and our people.
Each sip you take is part of our ongoing story—a story of creativity, community, and care. So, stick with us as we keep pushing the boundaries, inspiring change, and elevating your coffee experience, one cup at a time.