Latest news with #MrBiryani
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Singapore restaurateurs flee rising costs for cheaper lifeline in Johor Bahru
SINGAPORE, July 30 — Struggling with high rents and labour shortages, Singaporean restaurateurs are turning to Johor Bahru for relief, drawn by lower costs and the hope of reviving their businesses. Hyderabadi chef Govinda Rajan, who opened his first Malaysian branch of Mr Biryani just three months ago, is already eyeing expansion, calling it a much-needed lifeline as his Singapore outlets battle to survive, the South China Morning Post reported. Across the city state, food and beverage (F&B) businesses are closing at the fastest rate in nearly 20 years, with 3,047 establishments shutting down in 2024 alone. This year has already seen 1,404 closures in the first half, including long-time favourites like Crystal Jade's Holland Village branch and Michelin-starred Poise. Govinda and others say while ingredients in Malaysia may be pricier, the overall costs — from rent to wages — are far more manageable, helping restore profitability. Singapore's tight foreign worker policies and locals' aversion to service jobs have further strained the sector, leaving many businesses short-staffed and financially squeezed. Temasek Polytechnic's Geoffrey Tai said more operators are expanding regionally to escape Singapore's high overheads and tap into growing middle-class markets like Malaysia. Lower operating costs have helped restaurateurs like Keith Koh, who opened a Muslim-friendly outlet of Lad & Dad in Kuala Lumpur in May, rediscover their passion and reduce burnout. Still, Singapore saw 3,790 new F&B openings last year and nearly 2,000 more in the first half of 2025, though industry insiders warn many are underestimating the risks. Chef-owner Bjorn Shen, who has expanded to Penang and Bali, said profits of 20–30 per cent are achievable abroad, compared to 5–7 per cent at best in Singapore, where most new restaurants fail within two years.
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Is Singapore's food scene at a crossroads? Malaysia beckons as restaurateurs prize survival
In Johor Bahru, just across the border from Singapore , restaurateur Govinda Rajan is eyeing expansion. It has been only three months since he opened his first Malaysian outlet of Mr Biryani, but the veteran chef is already planning his next move. Back home, however, he paints a far bleaker picture, saying that his Singapore restaurants in Little India and Siglap are struggling to stay afloat amid soaring rents, labour shortages and shrinking consumer spending. Govinda had launched Mr Biryani in 2018, offering Singaporeans a Hyderabadi version of the beloved rice dish. 'Don't talk about profit margins any more, surviving is the priority now,' Govinda, 56, told This Week in Asia. He is not alone. Across Singapore, food and beverage (F&B) businesses are closing at the fastest rate in nearly two decades. A total of 3,047 establishments shut their doors in 2024, the highest figure since 2005's 3,352 closures. The casualties to date range from beloved neighbourhood fixtures to big-name international chains – among them, Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao's 20-year-old Holland Village branch, the Michelin-starred Poise on Teck Lim Road, and foreign franchises such as Eggslut, Manhattan Fish Market and Burger & Lobster.
