Western food stall The Original Botak Jones returns to leave a legacy in spite of Covid-19 pandemic

SINGAPORE – Since Western food stall The Original Botak Jones opened in Telok Blangah two weeks ago, the response has been overwhelming for the brand’s founder Bernie Utchenik and his wife Faudziah Mohd Ali.

Queues snake all hours of the day, often past the stall’s two-hour break at 3pm. Mr Utchenik, 68, says in amazement: “How the hell did we touch people so deeply that we still have a queue during a pandemic? I’m astounded.”

Delivery and pre-orders have been put on hold till the crowd stabilises, says the Detroit-born Singaporean, who started Botak Jones back in 2003 in Tuas.

The brand is best known for its hearty American comfort food served in generous portions.

The menu, printed on bright yellow paper in casual Comic Sans font with quirky descriptions, features bestsellers such as Cajun chicken (from $7.50) and fish and chips (from $8). More premium dishes include Norwegian salmon fillet ($18.50) and rosemary lamb chops (from $22.50).

Mr Utchenik has been getting requests for the return of his “labour-intensive” stuffed jalapenos and intends to add new items to the menu.