Botak Jones

Botak Jones
IndustryFood and beverage
FoundedTuas, Singapore (2003 (2003))
FounderBernard Allen Utchenik
Headquarters
Singapore
ProductsAmerican cuisine
Websiteoriginalbotakjones.com

Botak Jones is a national chain of American food restaurants in Singapore. The company was founded in 2003 by Bernard "Bernie" Allen Utchenik, following a few failed tries at the food industry.

History

The business began in 2003, when former U.S. citizen Bernard "Bernie" Allen Utchenik, also known as "Botak",[1] established the first Botak Jones outlet in Tuas, Singapore, after two failed food ventures.[2] At least a year before the opening of the business, Utchenik was already running large advertisements for Botak Jones in the newspapers.[3]

In 2009, there were eleven Botak Jones locations islandwide in Singapore.[1] In March 2013, Botak Jones was listed as one of the five best "western food stalls" by CEOs' Hawker Choices.[4] Utchenik sold the business prior to mid-2013, when he opened a new restaurant, BJ's American Diner and Grill.[5]

Products

Botak Jones' menu predominantly comprises American cuisine. Select outlets serve only halal food, so as to cater to Muslim consumers.[2] All of Botak Jones' food products are claimed to be free of "chemical flavourings, tenderizers, binders and MSG".[2] Food items are served in relatively large portions, although "Mini-Me" portions are available for order.[6] Botak Jones also offers catering services.[7] In 2009, the company organised an eating contest, where one had to wolf down a "Botak Massive" in the fastest time possible. Winning prizes included a holiday trip overseas.[8]

Botak Jones has also introduced a "Botak Customer Appreciation Card" scheme, by which customers get certain discounts after accumulating a certain amount of food purchases in cash.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b "Botak Jones to become a Singaporean". AsiaOne. 23 August 2009. Archived from the original on 16 December 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  2. ^ a b c Koh, Natalie (7 March 2013). "Flavourful Cajun chicken at Botak Jones". AsiaOne. Archived from the original on 10 March 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  3. ^ "Botak that grew and grew". The Straits Times. 28 October 2007. pp. 64–.
  4. ^ "Best western food stalls from CEOs' Hawker Choices". AsiaOne. 11 March 2013. Archived from the original on 19 August 2013.
  5. ^ "Botak is now BJ's". Yahoo!. 9 August 2013.
  6. ^ Yeoh, Wee Teck (19 August 2009). "Mini-Me". AsiaOne. Archived from the original on 24 October 2010. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  7. ^ "Catering". Botak Jones. Archived from the original on 6 April 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  8. ^ "Botak Jones Massive burger eating contest". AsiaOne. 19 June 2009. Archived from the original on 18 August 2013.
  9. ^ "Membership". Botak Jones. Archived from the original on 1 September 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2013.