Halal Food in Balestier

The building at 312 Balestier Road once housed Big Bern's American Grill, founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife duo Bernie Utchenik and Faudziah Mohd Ali. Originally called BJs, the restaurant served American comfort food with a halal certification, aiming to bring the flavours of Botak Jones, Bernie's earlier successful venture, back to Singapore diners. Despite the promise of American-style burgers, steaks, and casual dining, Big Bern's at Balestier Road struggled to find its footing. The founders cited challenges including the wrong crowd, parking problems, and a less-than-ideal location. These issues ultimately led to the closure of the Balestier outlet, though the brand later attempted expansions to Toa Payoh and Gluttons Bay. The Covid-19 pandemic delivered the final blow, forcing the closure of all Big Bern's American Grill outlets. Bernie Utchenik has since launched The Original Botak Jones as his latest venture, returning to the brand that initially made his name. The 312 Balestier Road location stands as a reminder of the competitive nature of Singapore's F&B scene, where even experienced operators with proven concepts can struggle when location, timing, and market fit do not align. The site now awaits its next culinary chapter in the ever-evolving Balestier food corridor.