In a fast-altering F&B landscape, Han’s (F&B) Pte Ltd is here to stay. Not just that, it has been growing from strength to strength in spite of economic crises and labour shortage. The brand is synonymous with affordable good food and reliable service. There is, however, more than meets the eye.

The exemplary feats of Han’s stems from one man’s exemplary spirit. Helming the ship and anchoring the brand all through the years is none other than founder and Managing Director, Mr Han Choon Fook. With his family’s tireless support and selfless giving, Han’s weathered the storms to garner more than 20 outlets islandwide. Besides being a regular recipient of the Singapore Top SME Awards, Han’s has also been honoured with the Enabling Employers Award since its inception. Its growth is undergirded by a belief that has been manifested in so many impactful forms to leave a legacy that goes beyond good food.

The ability to prosper a business and ensure its longevity stems from the vision and mission of the company. Having built its humble beginnings as a family business, Mr Han Choon Fook is keenly aware that for Han’s to continue flourishing, the staff must work with one heart and mind. Yet, unity is more easily experienced than defined. The inclusive family culture has redefined corporate culture where equal opportunity is advocated in recruitment, as with protocol and democracy. It is not about age, education level or even experience which may come as a surprise to some but one’s attitude and inherent value.

One of the key ingredients to Han’s being able to stay competitive is capitalising on untapped talent or rather "capable people with warm hearts and passion" in the words of Mr Han. While other F&B outlets may focus their efforts on getting younger workers or conventionally skilled workers, Han’s has a different approach. To its credit, about 10 percent of its 500 employees across 21 outlets in Singapore are aged 60 years and above. Although many may be trained from scratch, seniority and wisdom are valued in Han’s, thanks to its progressive human resource policies. In turn, these older workers inspire the younger ones to be more patient and responsible towards their duties.

Han’s raised the bar in its hiring practice when it included People With Disabilities (PWD) in its corporate and familial fold. However, at Han’s it is about focusing on the employee’s ability rather than disability where meaningful employment is given to the right candidates. Dignity is accorded to these workers who are perceived as assets, forming 20 percent or so of its workforce. Empowered with practical skills to earn their livelihood in a conducive work environment, these PWDs are yet another of Han’s success stories where love conquers all. Mr Goh Jin Kian who has Down’s syndrome, a trainee baker with Han’s is in his element as he fulfills his potential in food production.

As the F&B scene continues to change, the survival of the fittest is still the name of the game. With an open heart and mind, Han’s will continue to embrace not just its challenges but its staff in the years ahead. All made possible with reciprocatory acts of kindness, generosity and self-sacrifice. An evolving story that will certainly unfold with many more milestones indeed.