In 1979, this 'atas' ice cream joint was where Singaporeans went on dates
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In 1979, this 'atas' ice cream articulation was where Singaporeans went on dates
Swensen's was a party staple for Singaporean kids in the 80s and 90s. And the Firehouse Happy Birthday care for is still thing 40 years later after its Thomson Plaza debut.
Swensen's celebrates forty years in Singapore. (Photo: Swensen'southward)
Earthquake. Mucilaginous Chewy Chocolate ice cream. Assistant split. Broiled rice. Clam chowder in a bread bowl. And oh, that Firehouse Happy Altogether treat for that special day.
If y'all grew upward as a kid in the 1980s and 1990s in Singapore, chances are, you historic a birthday party at Swensen's. Whether information technology was your special day or a friend'southward, jubilant at the Thomson Plaza or Changi Airport Terminal ane outlet, it definitely involved a fair amount of brain-freeze.
READ: Remembering Changi Airport Terminal 1'south debut 38 years ago
It was a identify of fond childhood memories: Of finally getting a chance to indulge in fancy water ice cream that wasn't Paddle Pop, Wall'south or Magnolia; of pooling together joint school allowances just so you and your friends tin beget that mammoth Earthquake sundae; of first dates and school reunions.
For many Singaporeans, it was the affordable place to celebrate life'due south little milestones growing up. Forty years on, it still is.
IN INTRODUCTION TO 'ATAS' Water ice Cream
Back in 1979, Swensen's arrived at Thomson Plaza with its booth seats and trademark Tiffany lamps. It was a strictly old-fashioned water ice foam parlour correct out of Americana movies that somehow constitute itself on Singapore'southward shores.
It might accept been a long way from San Francisco, where its founder Earle Swensen opened his showtime ice cream store in 1948, but it has since become a place synonymous with kids' parties in Singapore – and arguably the country's introduction to atas or "high course" ice cream.
Yes kids, earlier there were Ben & Jerry'due south and Haagen-Dazs, there was Swensen's ice cream.
Eric Tay, 56, remembers his get-go party at the Thomson Plaza outlet fondly.
"Information technology was of my parents celebrating my birthday with me. It was known kickoff and foremost for its water ice cream. And information technology was such a care for, especially back in those days," recalled the longtime customer.
Information technology was as well where he brought his girlfriend on their first date.
"It was a special day equally information technology was too her birthday," he said. "So we were treated to the Firehouse Happy Birthday sundae. And I also ordered an Earthquake. There was a lot of ice cream."
These days, his slice of nostalgia is still a regular family affair for Tay and his parents. "We dine at a Swensen's at least iii times a calendar week," he said, adding that he besides arranges for work meetings with colleagues and clients there.
RETRO FANS AND LOYAL STAFF
This "multi-generational" kind of feel is something that accounts for the chain's longevity, reckoned Teo Tong Loong, a representative of ABR Holdings, which runs the restaurant concatenation in Singapore.
"A father might bring his son to our restaurant considering he too had great memories celebrating his birthdays with usa every bit a child," he said.
And this kind of loyalty isn't reserved just for diners. "Many of our staff have also been with us for more than than 10 or fifty-fifty 20 years," he added.
1 of their longest serving staff is 54-twelvemonth-old Raymond Soong, who began working with the make only two years after it opened in Singapore.
The banana operations manager has been with the chain for 38 years and had slowly worked his style upwardly the ranks. "I began equally a junior service staff. Promotion didn't come piece of cake dorsum then," he said.
Back and so, his favourite memories of old outlets were the ceiling fans with rattan blades and the small lamps fitted under these. "Nosotros don't see these fans anymore."
What he does run into however, are regular customers. "I have a couple who come dorsum to the same outlet every year to gloat their wedding anniversary," he shared.
As for the favourite thing on the carte du jour, information technology'southward obviously a no-brainer. "I honey the Firehouse Happy Altogether sundae," he said. "Every time we serve this, it's celebration time again."
Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/dining/swensens-singapore-ice-cream-246391
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