Yah Lah But #742 - Viral School Canteen Vendor Closes Stall & Andie Chen's $100m Target for His F&B Company
Nov 19, 2025
Andie Chen, an actor-turned-entrepreneur and co-owner of the Creative Eateries F&B group, discusses his recent acquisition and ambitious S$100m goal for the company. He reflects on the closure of a viral school canteen vendor, diving into privacy concerns and the economic challenges facing school canteens. Andie believes the F&B industry is evolving, not dying, and shares insights on optimizing operations while empowering culinary creators. Balancing his roles in acting and business, he emphasizes transparency and support for new chefs in the culinary landscape.
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Chen Brothers Buy Creative Eateries
- Andie Chen and his brother Adam acquired Creative Eateries, a Singapore F&B group founded in 1992.
- The group includes brands like Sukiya Hot Pot, Bangkok Jam and Tajimaya, and the outgoing CEO will remain as director to guide them.
Viral Canteen Clip Led To Stall Closure
- A viral school-canteen video showed a stall owner firmly correcting a pupil and gained millions of views.
- After parents and public complaints, the stall owner announced he would not renew his lease and is closing the stall.
Children On Social Media Are Highly Sensitive
- Content featuring children becomes legally and socially sensitive once it goes viral and identifiable.
- Andie Chen argues filming in schools without clear consent pushes ethical and privacy boundaries despite wholesome intent.