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Writer's pictureC.A.(M)

Starting a Restaurant

Updated: Mar 26



Starting a Restaurant


Starting a restaurant in Malaysia can be a great way to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams and share your passion for food with others. However, it is important to be well-prepared before embarking on this journey, as the restaurant industry can be competitive and challenging. Here are some things you need to keep in mind:


  1. Choose the right concept and location. What kind of food do you want to serve? What atmosphere do you want to create? What will make your restaurant unique? Once you have a clear concept, you need to find a suitable location. Consider factors such as visibility, foot traffic, and competition when choosing a location.

  2. Obtain the necessary permits and licenses. Depending on your location, you will need to obtain a number of permits and licenses before you can open your restaurant. These permits and licenses may vary depending on your restaurant concept, so be sure to research the requirements in your area.

  3. Secure funding. Starting a restaurant can be expensive, so it is important to secure funding before you start construction or hiring staff. There are a number of funding options available, including loans, grants, and investors.

  4. Design your restaurant layout and space. The layout of your restaurant should be functional and efficient. Consider how customers will move through the space, how the kitchen and dining room will be arranged, and where to place equipment and storage.

  5. Hire the right staff. Your staff is one of the most important assets of your restaurant. Hire experienced and qualified staff who are passionate about food and customer service.

  6. Market and promote your restaurant. Once your restaurant is ready to open, you need to start marketing and promoting it to attract customers. There are a variety of marketing strategies you can use, such as social media marketing, print advertising, and public relations.

  7. Provide excellent customer service. Customer service is key to the success of any restaurant. Make sure your staff is friendly and attentive, and always go the extra mile to make your customers happy.

  8. Adapt to the changing market. The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, so it is important to be adaptable and innovative. This means offering new menu items, specials, and promotions on a regular basis.


Here are some additional tips for starting a restaurant in Malaysia:


  • Do your research. Before you open your restaurant, it is important to research the Malaysian restaurant industry and your target market. This will help you develop a realistic business plan and create a menu that customers will love.

  • Be prepared to work hard. The restaurant industry is fast-paced and demanding. Be prepared to work long hours and deal with unexpected challenges.

  • Be creative. The Malaysian restaurant industry is very competitive, so it is important to be creative and innovative. This means offering new menu items, specials, and promotions on a regular basis.

  • Focus on quality and taste. Malaysians are known for their discerning taste, so it is important to focus on the quality and taste of your food.

  • Provide value for money. Malaysians are also budget-conscious, so it is important to provide value for money. This means offering affordable prices and generous portions.


With careful planning and execution, you can start a successful restaurant in Malaysia.


Restaurant Permits and Licenses


The following are some of the permits and licenses you may need to apply for when starting a restaurant in Malaysia:


  • Business Premises and Signboard License. This license is required by all businesses in Malaysia, including restaurants. You can apply for this license from your local municipal office.

  • Food Handlers Certificate. This certificate is required for all food handlers in Malaysia, including cooks, chefs, and waiters. You can obtain this certificate by attending a food handling course accredited by the Ministry of Health.

  • Typhoid Vaccination. All food handlers in Malaysia must be vaccinated against typhoid. You can obtain this vaccination from any accredited medical clinic.

  • Halal Certification. If you are planning to serve halal food, you will need to obtain Halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

  • Liquor License. If you are planning to serve alcohol in your restaurant, you will need to obtain a liquor license from your local municipal office.

  • Music and Performance License. If you are planning to have live music or performances in your restaurant, you will need to obtain a music and performance license from the Music Authors' Copyright Protection Berhad (MACP).


In addition to the above permits and licenses, you may also need to apply for other permits and licenses depending on your specific restaurant concept and location. For example, if you are planning to operate a restaurant in a food court, you will need to obtain a permit from the operator of the food court.


You can find more information on the permits and licenses required for restaurants in Malaysia on the website of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP).


Tips for applying for restaurant permits and licenses in Malaysia:


  • Start the application process early. It can take several weeks or even months to obtain all of the necessary permits and licenses.

  • Be prepared to submit all of the required documentation. The specific requirements will vary depending on the permit or license you are applying for.

  • Be patient and cooperative. The application process can be complex and time-consuming. Be patient with the government officials and cooperate with their requests.


Once you have obtained all of the necessary permits and licenses, you can start operating your restaurant in Malaysia.


How Bestar can Help


Bestar can help you start a restaurant in Malaysia in a number of ways, including:


  • Helping you choose the right business structure: Bestar can help you choose the right business structure for your restaurant, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company. This will depend on your individual circumstances and goals for the business.

  • Helping you set up your accounting system: Bestar can help you set up a proper accounting system for your restaurant. This will help you track your income and expenses, and generate financial reports.

  • Providing you with bookkeeping services: Bestar can provide you with bookkeeping services on a regular basis. This will save you time and hassle, and help you ensure that your finances are in order.

  • Preparing your tax returns: Bestar can prepare your tax returns for you at the end of the financial year. This will ensure that you are in compliance with Malaysian tax laws.

  • Providing you with financial advice: Bestar Accounting can provide you with financial advice on a range of topics, such as budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. This advice can help you make informed financial decisions for your restaurant.


In addition to these services, Bestar can also help you with other aspects of starting and running a restaurant, such as:


  • Obtaining permits and licenses: Bestar can help you obtain the necessary permits and licenses for your restaurant. This can save you time and hassle, and help you ensure that you are in compliance with Malaysian laws and regulations.

  • Managing your payroll: Bestar can help you manage your payroll, including calculating salaries and wages, and processing payroll taxes. This can save you time and hassle, and help you ensure that your employees are paid accurately and on time.


Overall, Bestar can provide you with a wide range of services and support to help you start and run a successful restaurant in Malaysia. By outsourcing your accounting and financial needs to Bestar, you can free up your time and focus on other aspects of your business.


Here are some specific ways that Bestar can help you start a restaurant in Malaysia:


  • Help you set up a budget and track your expenses: This is essential for any new business, but it can be especially important for restaurants, which have a lot of variable costs. Bestar can help you create a budget that is realistic and achievable, and then track your expenses to make sure you are staying on track.

  • Help you manage your cash flow: Cash flow is critical for any business, but it can be especially important for restaurants, which often have to pay for food and supplies upfront before they receive revenue from customers. Bestar can help you manage your cash flow so that you always have enough money to cover your expenses.

  • Help you prepare for tax season: Filing taxes can be complex and time-consuming, but it is important to make sure that you are in compliance with Malaysian tax laws. Bestar can help you prepare your tax returns and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of taxes.

  • Provide you with financial advice: Bestar can provide you with financial advice on a variety of topics, such as choosing the right business structure, financing your business, and managing your finances. This advice can help you make informed financial decisions for your restaurant.


If you are considering starting a restaurant in Malaysia, Bestar is a valuable resource that can help you succeed. Bestar offers a variety of services and support that can make the process of starting and operating a restaurant easier and more efficient.


Contact us today!

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