From CNA presenter to owner of a Subway franchise outlet
After 16 years as a news anchor on Channel NewsAsia, Timothy Go left his job last year to pursue other ventures, including wading into the world of F&B.
In March, the 43-year-old opened the largest Subway franchise outlet at Taman Jurong Shopping Centre.
It is a joint business with his long-time friend, Mr Jeffrey Tan.
Go, who still freelances as a host and co-founded his video content start-up tech360.tv, told The New Paper: "My job required me to be there for specific events to cover the news. But I didn't want events to dictate my schedule anymore…
"I wanted to take my life back and do something I've never done before."
His Subway outlet, which he invested more than $250,000 in, is 1,500 square feet and can accommodate up to about 70 people.
There is also a bread display and a communal table, unlike other branches in Singapore.
Surprisingly, Go himself has never been a Subway fan - because the US fast food chain's submarine sandwiches are "too healthy".
He said: "If I want fast food, I want sinful fast food, but I was sold by the idea when Jeffrey told me about it."
When he first traded his sharp suits for a spot in the kitchen, his family and friends thought he was crazy.
"They were asking why I wanted to leave a job that people want to get into, but they were all supportive," said Go.
With International Friendship Day around the corner on July 30, Go - who moved here from the Philippines 17 years ago and became a Singapore permanent resident in 2013 - not only built up his name here but also formed many friendships.
And it was these pals who served as great support in the early days of his Subway business.
He said: "(Some) came to help me physically (serve customers), when I didn't have enough staff because they needed their days off.
"My housemate back then would also come if I needed help. My CNA friends did say they would come if I needed a cashier."
Taman Jurong is not a neighbourhood that is commonly heard of but it has its charms, he said, adding: "This is a forgotten part of Singapore and (it's) like a 1980s type-mall… but everyone here knows everyone as it's in the heartlands."
Go works at the restaurant five times a week, where he personally makes the bread behind the counter and serves diners.
He said: "Customers do recognise me, especially the older ones, but I don't feel odd serving others because I like talking to people.
"I don't feel the disconnect as well because working here takes me to a different world. Instead of talking on TV, not knowing people's reactions, I get to now talk to real people who respond."
His time in the media industry has also helped him in his F&B journey, despite it being his first foray.
He said: "After years of reporting and breaking the news, sometimes I still never know what's going to smack me in the face.
"But I have experience now, facing real people and having to deal with different situations."
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