Welcome to 2024’s last edition of “Food for Thought”!

This edition is packed with insider information needed to start 2025 with a bang!

Are donation boxes truly safe in your eatery? Could outdoor dining in parking bays change the game? What’s Shangri-La’s secret behind its Halal certification success? You will also get to know the areas in your restaurant that you should focus in 2025. Plus, uncover the 5 secret tricks behind a café’s rise to success with zero experience. Ready to step into the new year without any regrets?

Uh Oh! Missed once in a lifetime opportunity to transform your restaurant? It’s okay! This is your last chance (just for you! Your neighbor has no idea about this😏) to grab this offer!  We will be waiting for you!

We have news!

Iskandar Puteri Eateries Get Green Light for Outdoor Dining in Parking Bays

Under new guidelines, Iskandar Puteri eateries can set up tables in parking bays with consent from neighbors. Starting in October, the initiative charges RM30 per table (RM10 for hawkers) and permits use from 6 PM to midnight. The move aims to enhance dining experiences while addressing space constraints. Click here to read more about this.

Are donation boxes in your eateries safe from thieves?

A daring raid in Melaka unraveled a crafty couple's two-year scheme involving stolen donation boxes from eateries, targeting orphanages and madrasahs. With 54 boxes, a car, and drugs seized, the suspects face multiple charges. Their arrest raises questions about the extent of their operations and the audacity of their methods. Click here to read more.

Where should you invest next to become rich? Should you improve customer service or spend on sales and marketing?

Rising costs and labor challenges dominate 2024, with 88% of restaurants seeing higher staff expenses and 86% facing increased food costs. Leaders aim to combat these hurdles through menu price adjustments, enhanced training, and tech investments. As the $1 trillion industry anticipates shifts in dining trends, priorities include boosting sales, reducing costs, and adapting to evolving consumer demands. Click here to read the whole survey for detailed insights!

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Achieves Halal Certification for Iconic Dining Experiences

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur has earned Halal certification (Pssst! Here's a detailed guide that can help you!) for several kitchens, including the renowned Lemon Garden Buffet and Banquet Operations, ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary laws. Guests can now enjoy authentic, halal-certified meals with diverse local and international flavors. This achievement highlights the hotel’s dedication to cultural sensitivity and delivering exceptional dining experiences in-house and through catering services. Click here to read the whole story.

Nook Cafe Founders Reveal 5 Secret tricks to run a successful restaurant Without Experience

From zero experience to building a thriving café, Anas and Zarifah share five transformative lessons. They highlight the importance of hands-on involvement, unique branding, strong relationships, unwavering consistency, and embracing the journey. With surprises like praise from AirAsia’s CEO and hosting a wedding reception, their story is a testament to resilience and passion. Discover the secrets behind Nook Cafe’s success.