Good things take time. After all, timing is just about everything.
We’ve seen many entrepreneurs who credit the pandemic for either their brand’s success or failure. Some were able to see it as an opportune time to start new businesses, while other existing companies struggled to stay afloat.
The Daily Fix, a popular cafe in Melaka, was one of those businesses that had to fight to maintain their footing. They even had to put expansion plans on the backburner.
One such expansion plan was Kopi Harian, a new brand they cooked up in 2020. The Malay name refers to daily coffee, which is of course a reference to The Daily Fix.
Originally, the brand would help the team keep afloat by selling bottled local coffee. Sadly, the plan was not fruitful at the end.
Yet, the team had always wanted to explore their roots and pay homage to Malaysian food. So, years after Kopi Harian’s first run, it got its second attempt in 2024.
Seven brands in
Some 11 years in, The Daily Fix has grown from one outlet to a whopping count of seven brands.
This includes The Daily Fix itself, Sin See Tai (which was just recognised as one of the world’s top 100 cafes), Sharing Plates, Kin by The Daily Fix, The Curious Bakers, The Daily Fix Coffee Roaster, and Kopi Harian.
With The Daily Fix being such a popular brand, I’ve always wondered why the team decided to add to their ecosystem, rather than expand each brand.
The reason for this, though, comes down to the team’s desire to provide different experiences.
“They are all in different locations, with different menus, different vibe, so we are able to provide our customers with options,” said Julian, the founder of the business along with his wife Soo Teng.
Although each brand has its own vibe and branding, there are some common themes between them. For one, their social media presence relies on each other. Moreover, these outlets tend to have a historical ambience to them, thanks to the locations they’re set in.
The Daily Fix and Kopi Harian’s buildings belong to Julian’s aunt, while the rest are rented from various landlords.
Do it real, do it well
From the outside looking in, it seems like Julian and Soo Teng have been able to master the secret recipe to starting and sustaining F&B brands.
In reality, they’re still learning the ropes 11 years in, especially with consistency and management.
Launching a new brand doesn’t necessarily become easier with experience, either. In fact, when asked about how long it took to start Kopi Harian, Julian said, “A little too long.”
He explained, “The thing is we are really difficult to please. It’s a good and bad thing. We have never been able to follow a targeted launch date we set for ourselves unfortunately. But the good thing is the results are often much more rewarding despite the delay.”
Even though they’re constantly growing their own capabilities, they’ve learnt a lot of things along the way. Ultimately, it comes down to having heart.
“As a whole, we don’t do things half-heartedly, and whatever the case, we adapt to change if the initial idea just doesn’t work,” Julian explained. “Do it real and good. We don’t compromise on quality, and we curate food with tastes that we ourselves like.”
In an effort to offer top-notch quality, the brands prepare most ingredients from scratch. For example, all the broths are made from scratch for Kopi Harian’s dishes. The toast spreads are also made inhouse.
On top of that, the espresso and filter coffee are made with only specialty-grade coffee beans. At The Curious Bakers, the team only uses premium butter and ingredients for the baked goods.
Going with the flow
After a decade in the F&B business, it seems like The Daily Fix group is still not settling down, constantly coming up with new concepts for Melakans to enjoy.
However, Julian shared that their expansions typically happen organically. If there are any opportunities, they simply adjust to it.
“For now we are taking one step at a time,” he said. “First things first we are looking to improve our existing outlets. If there will be any expansion, it will probably complement the ecosystem of the company.”
Going ahead, Julian intends to take a step back more and look at the bigger picture. This is so that he can focus on general improvements and expansion and concepts.
“I’m now a father of two. So I do, too, wonder how people with family handle this much better than me,” Julian admitted.
He continued, “It’s a challenge being a good husband, father, and good boss, and at the same time, performing well to nurture and improve the business. It’s easy to get sunk into a business you enjoy and are passionate about. Because of that, having a balanced lifestyle is indeed tough.”
But in the same way he’s been able to balance seven brands, he endeavours to continue his balancing act, learning as he goes.
Maintaining the vision
Over the years, Melaka’s F&B scene has definitely grown and changed rapidly. As a Melakan myself, I often credit The Daily Fix as one major player that has popularised the modern third wave coffee culture.
This might be a good thing as a foodie, but it’s also a headache as a business owner, as the landscape is more competitive than ever.
To stay relevant, The Daily Fix and Julian’s other brands must continue improving, offering new dishes and better customer experiences
“It’s a never ending process,” Julian mused. “Problems will always arise and you will learn how to solve them as you go. Technology will keep progressing. Taste is subjective. International food choices are much more accessible now, which has altered people’s taste buds and expectations.”
With this mindset, The Daily Fix has managed to sustain itself as a go-to cafe in Melaka, and so far, it seems like the strategy will work out for Kopi Harian too.
Featured Image Credit: Kopi Harian