Interview with Jamie and Cherilyn of The Chupitos Bar

Jamie Koh and Cherilyn Tan of The Chupitos Bar are one of the top 10 finalists of the Martell VSOP The Ultimate Start-Up Space challenge. Here, they share their idea, how it originated (while backpacking!) and why they think they should win the competition.

(For a quick overview of the prizes the ultimate winner stands to gain, read this.)

Describe your idea and how you think it stands out from all the finalists.

Our idea is a bar focusing on SHOTS. We plan to offer over 200 one-of-a-kind shots, and each shot will have a unique twist, ensuring that you will not find these shots in other bars. Candy, fire, props and tricks will be used to give our guests the ultimate shot experience!

A specialty shot bars would be a great fit for Clarke Quay, as it is a fun and entertaining idea which will add to the vibrancy of the area.

[View their 60-second video submission for TUSS.]

How did you come up with this idea? Did you already have this idea before hearing about this competition?

We came up with the idea backpacking together, way before the competition. We wanted to start Singapore’s first shots bar because we’ve sampled a variety of interesting shots on our travels, and have always felt that Singapore needs to have a bar that offers not only a wide range of shots, but more importantly, innovative and exciting shots. The moment we heard about this competition, we knew that our idea would be a great fit with the space in Clarke Quay.

From left: Jamie and Cherilyn at Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand.

Why do you think you should win the top prize for The Ultimate Start-Up Space?

We should win because the idea fits The Ultimate Start-Up Space to a T. Not only is it relatively straightforward in terms of its implementation, our start up cost is also minimal. We are confident that the business will be sustainable in the long run.

Also, we are dedicated to this business and have enough determination and drive to see the idea through.