Pedal Café Lessons
On this day in 2014, we opened Pedal Café to the public for the first time.
Over the next one and three-quarter years, we learnt a lot and though the journey ultimately ended, it was an experience rich with blessings and rewards.
We made mistakes along the way and struggled with some tough issues. We had to deal with the darker side of humanity in some ways and simple corporate selfishness and narrow-mindedness in others - we endured staff who cheated, friends who reneged on promises, a property developer who practiced questionable ethics and more. We came through it with our hearts and souls very much intact, even if the business ultimately had the shutters pulled down permanently.
Part of the reason the journey was so meaningful and enriching was because we enjoyed the company of some really nice people who started as customers and became friends.
We were also fortunate to have some very good suppliers who understood the concept of partnership and who continue to engage with us as we start new journeys.
So right now, as we prepare for another year, I’d like to indulge in a little reminiscing and look back to this time 4 years ago and thank some of the people who made that journey especially good and meaningful.
Johann: whose idea it was back when we ran Chronicle People in SIngapore, to run a bicycle-themed cafe. And who then began all the calculations that made us think it was viable.
Joe Nathan who sat with us as we prepared for the opening, stringing wires into my bicycle rim lights and putting together Ikea furniture.
Choy Yoong, my dear cousin who was drafted in on her holiday to Penang, to run around and do things like pick up a bottle of mustard on her way to Balik Pulau by bus from Georgetown.
Debbie and Hannes, two of my most special and enduring friends who made it a point to come up for my exhibition in 2013 which laid the foundation for the idea to move up to Penang. And who then made it a point to come for the opening day and were indeed our very first customers.
Eric, Bryan, David, Joanne, Jeffrey, Wei Yen, Mei, who formed the partnership and made it possible.
Jeremy Chan and Solomon. It was Jeremy who first gave me 2 hours of his time to talk about coffee to this tea drinker. He began my education in coffee and was indeed the one who suggested we do drip brewed (pour-over) coffee, something that other places in Penang have now emulated. Solomon made it a point to continue my education and the education of some of our staff.
Julie, who did two things that were very special - she made the famous Pedal Cafe licence plate as a gift, and she donated books which became our little community library, Angels' Project.
Patsy, who has never ceased supporting whatever I do, whether it was to cycle through Malaysia and write about it, or to do a photography exhibition in Penang, or to open a cafe.
Lusy, who, despite being served a cold pie on her first visit, stayed on to be a loyal customer, friend, mural-painter, band-finder and more.
It was cool while it lasted and will forever be a reminder of two things:
You can start some pretty darned amazing things that you may have thought were beyond you.
You can then let go of those things and move on when you need to.
#BringOn2019
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