Shifting Cafes: Penny University’s Big Move
The End of an Era
For 10 whole years, the folks at Penny University have been sipping, chatting, and serving up delights right beside the iconic East Coast shop lot. Yesterday (Oct 3) they spilled the beans on Instagram that the beloved spot at 402 East Coast Road will be closing its doors on Oct 9—but not forever.
New Life at 17 Jalan Klapa
Instead of giving up, the team is heading north to a fresh location. They’re itching for a bigger space to grow, and the new address promises room for more coffee cups and banter.
Why the Move?
- Rent was waving a long‑handed bill.
- They needed more room to throw in a whole new menu.
- Turns out a decade under the same roof feels more like a blink.
Founder’s Heart‑felt Farewell
Founder Mouss Kamal took a moment to reflect—sorry if it’s a bit long, but he’s promised to “only do this once in 10 years.” Maybe that’s a sweet reminder that the past decade felt like a quick sprint.
He recounted how the first days felt: “We dove in a bright‑light early morning, prank‑faced a restaurant’s legacy and found ourselves with a full kitchen, no F&B experience, and a brand new market waiting for a shy coffee bar.”
It used to be a simple coffee bar—just a couple of loose tables and some booth seats. Some patrons brought their own chairs—climbing the simple bar to an empty desk. Thankfully, the East Coast community seamed in like heroes, showering the space with antique chairs, vintage tables, random lamps, tin cans, embroidered wooden coffee menu boards, a flag that still hangs outside, plants, and even a bicycle.
The Emotional Instagram Feed
The offer of goodwill—heatrable “warm, supportive, forgiving” kind of vibes—was the biggest support system. Mouss laughed about how the office was spartan and friends even donated furniture, making the café feel less empty and more like home.
From customers to close friends
Inside Penny University: Where Coffee Meets Friendships
Penny University isn’t just another spot you pop into for a quick caffeine fix—it’s your neighbourhood’s second‑home on a coffee‑laden playground. Mouss, the founder, shares why this place is so special.
Mouss on the Meaning Behind the Name
“It’s touching that we’re the first and last stop for folks leaving for work or coming home,” Mouss says with a grin. “We’re the gatekeepers of their day, and that’s a role we hold close to our hearts.” He adds that the spot has turned regulars into real friends—like a crew swapping stories over cappuccinos.
Why the Location Matters
Penny University sits in the very heart of the Marine Parade and Telok Kurau area—places that shaped Mouss’s childhood. He reminds us:
“I could think of nowhere else I’d love to run a coffeehouse and connect to the neighbourhood I grew up in.”
Fans Love It, Fans Love It More
When Mouss posted on Instagram, it sparked a tidal wave of love in the comments. Some reminisced about their first latte, others declared “the original coffee place in the east.” A few rattled off:
- “Your espresso hits the spot!”
- “I’ve been a regular since day one, and you’ve become like family.”
- “The baristas are friendly—just like the neighbourhood.”
- “Penny University: next stop on my daily commute.”
In short, Penny University isn’t just about great coffee—it’s a place that feels like a hug in a mug.
First Sip Chronicles at Penny University
Picture this: a bright-eyed student walks by a coffee counter, orders something that seems ordinary, and suddenly her life is forever caffeinated. That’s exactly what one resilient woman claims happened right at the heart of Penny University.
- Her first coffee surprise was a game changer.
- She’s not kidding—“the East will never feel the same” without those steaming mugs.
- Now she swears by the fact that every morning after that sip is a smokey toast kind of ritual.
So next time you pass the campus café, remember: you might just be stepping into the future of the entire eastern campus coffee culture.
Cheers to the bold brew that reshaped a whole region!
We’re Saying Goodbye to Café Forty Hands!
It’s been a sweet ride. The beloved café is shutting its doors at both locations after years of serving delightful pastries and robust coffee.
Why the Goodbye?
- Burnout from the relentless daily grind of dough and espresso.
- New competitors popping up like spring daisies.
- Costs for space that just wouldn’t be the same.
What This Means for the Neighborhood
- No more buttery croissants at the corner.
- Might find a donut shop popping up soon.
- The regulars won’t miss the aroma—just the taste!
Farewell Messages from the Team
“We’ve been around for over a decade!” says the manager, while the barista shares, “I’ll keep the memories of that first espresso shot in my heart.”
In Closing
Sure, it’s tough to close shop, but Café Forty Hands has crafted a legacy of tasty treats and memorable moments. Keep an eye out—there’s another culinary adventure coming soon to your city!
