By Tiong Sue Lynn | June 23, 2010
Fullhouse, a charming white-themed store-cum-cafe
Looks can be deceiving, as I learnt more about Adam Swee, the chief executive officer of Fullhouse Lifestyle Concept Store & Cafe. At first glance, Adam was the picture of suaveness, with his stylish shirt and fitting black blazer. I warmed up to him almost immediately. I soon learnt that beneath the ‘cool’ look, he was very boyish and incredibly likeable - at least for me.
For a 28-year old, Adam has accomplished a lot of things that most people could only dream of. With three successful outlets in Ara Damansara, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng and Sunway Pyramid, it is clear that Fullhouse is a huge hit among children, teenagers and adults alike. Adam will open his fourth outlet at Sunway Giza in mid July. I had the privilege of picking his thoughts on his brand child and his hopes for the future.
This successful chap has been in the business line for almost a decade, having started his first business as a fashion wholesaler and retailer at a tender age of 19. During that time, he travelled to many countries, taking in different sights, cultures and cuisine, especially in Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Europe and China. Upon much deliberation, he created the concept for Fullhouse.
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Left: Swee's favourite section of the house - the living room
Top right: The back garden is perfect for an afternoon tea
Bottom rignt: The bedroom is definitely not run-of-the-mill
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Tell us more about Fullhouse. When did you start this business?
It’s a business venture with my brother, and we aim to give diners a stress-free, comfortable environment. I thought about this for quite some time before deciding to take the leap. The concept of Fullhouse stems from us wanting to give people everything they want in a house. People who go to Fullhouse mostly want to enjoy ‘lifestyle’. When I say lifestyle, I mean enjoying the life of the rich, but paying low prices.
You don’t have to fly to Hong Kong for dim sum, have steak in a 5-star hotel or sail off to an island for fish. At Fullhouse, we give you the similar basic requirements that include the garnishing, taste and most importantly, the experience. It is not just a café -- Fullhouse is a lifestyle store that sells souvenirs, household items, and even clothing.
I noticed that the theme colour is white. Why that colour?
I don’t know about you, but I find white to be a very versatile colour. It can be romantic, comfortable, relaxing, classy, modern, stylish, just anything you want it to be. This is why I try to make the restaurant as white as possible. If you think about it, white is usually the basic colour of houses, buildings and apartments, before people start adding their personal touch. Some places use brown hues, over-the-top decorations and some go for the bare and minimalistic look, but I don’t find that comfortable at all. Do you?
Well, I guess you have a point. What is your favourite part of the restaurant/cafe?
The living hall. I just like the general idea of it being a family hall. To me, the living hall has the most activities going on. It is often the most crowded area and the place you feel most at home.
I was attracted to Fullhouse because of the car on display. I’m sure most people are too, right?
[Laughs]. Yes, the car is what makes us unique. I mean, it’s not that every day you find a vintage car in front of a restaurant!
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| Eye-catching: The owner, Swee, beside the car that caught my eye! |
The more Adam took me around his cafe, the more I wanted to live there. Everything is beautifully designed; even the walls feature designs and trimmings. The dry kitchen is next to the ‘backyard garden’, and some people love to sit at this section and enjoy their afternoon tea. I can clearly see why – it’s very European!
The “bedroom” is spacious, and it also works as a room where clothing, shoes and accessories are displayed. In the middle of the living hall stands a beautiful white grandfather’s clock. One can easily find a brown or black grandfather’s clock. But white? It was specially designed by Adam, to add to the decor of Fullhouse.
With such a romantic setting, it’s no surprise that couples would queue up just to take their wedding pictures at Fullhouse. However, only two couples are allowed per month. While Adam was telling me all this at “the garden”, a group of ladies walked in, “ooooh-ed and aaaah-ed” at the decor before taking a seat.
Laughing at my slightly bewildered expression, Adam told me that people love taking pictures of the place, and they don’t practice a “no photographs allowed” policy. “What’s the point of making the place so beautiful if you can’t share its beauty with everyone?” he added.
I was engrossed in the conversation when the waiter brought some of their special dishes and placed them on the table. “I wasn’t going to let you sit here without anything to eat,” said Adam, flashing his boyish smile yet again.
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About the contributor
Tiong Sue Lynn is a writer, blogger and food columnist. She enjoys travelling and finding new places to eat. Visit her blog at www.bangsar-babe.blogspot.com
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