St. James Power Station, ex-thermal power station

Facade. The signboard of alcohol is conspicuous. 

St. James Pte., Ltd has signed the contract to take over the inactive thermal power station in 2004. It has launched the business in September 2006 after major renovating construction. Today, they are running 11 bars and restaurants within the district and total of 17 active branches in Singapore including hot night spot like Clark Quay. The company has gone public after buying over the public listed IT firm in July 2008, and they are SGX secondary listing under Catalist. One of the main investing firm is also involve in Sushitei capital.

Wednesday, the Ladies night!

Mr. Foo is a young entrepreneur at his 30, son of the company CEO Dennis Foo. People call Dennis, "King of nightlife" named after his successful establishment in Singapore's biggest bar and night club chains in 1990's. He had gathered investors to start off with St. James then.

Mr. Gordon Foo said "I had experienced F&B businesses in father's restaurants and grandfather's coffee shops. After 2 years of serving national service from September 2006, he had joined St. James and learnt father's treasured concept. After our success, night clubs in Singapore has increased about 5 to 10 times more."

80% of customers are Singaporeans and rest is tourists. We are targeting at mass market. Youngsters are willing to spend for entertainment. Our concept is good quality and reasonable price. Per customer spending is S$30. There are 25,000 people coming to our club every week."

"We are being flexible to fit the market trend. We supply what market demands since beginning. People will get bored of entertainment as quick as 3 month. Just like movie. Especially, Singapore market moves so quickly. But today, company is big enough to make a necessary change when it needs."

"The reason for success is that we focus on quality, life, entertainment. We are the only one who focuses so much on nightlife. Our 200 artists are our employees. They are Singers, dancers, musicians and DJ. They are from various countries such as Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Paraguay, Philippine, England and U.S. We are not interested to sell music itself. Also, our staffs in the clubs have close distance between customers so it helps them to understand customer better."

You can enjoy high quality music at reasonable price.

"I'm not sure about future in 5 or 10 years as Singapore moves so quickly. But what I know is people will repeatedly come back if you keep bringing good music and reasonable prices. Our target is 20s to 30s and nothing above because we need the energy to have fun until 5 in the morning."

How do you think about F&B venture?

"Many people are trying to join F&B venture, like ex-banker starts off a bar and stand at the counter for his own joy. Singapore's initial investment is high so it is difficult for normal staff to start off a business. Many shops are opening but at the same time, same amount of shops close down."

Drinking habits of Singaporeans: