Anyone have any experience in operating cafe or kopitiam? I would like to know what is the cost to setup the biz and what to expect in daily operation. Where to buy the table, fridge and other equipment? I'm more interested in setting up my own cafe rather than paying for franchise fees. Thanks!

RM30k for renovation? But I think you missed out the labour cost as well. Most renovators would be asking for RM50k at least for renovation. The charges for residential and commercial area renovation are different. Wiring alone would cost you more than RM10k for KL. For tables and chairs, it depends on which type would you want. You need people to feel comfortable so that they could sit longer and more regular. You CANNOT compromise on tables and chairs. If you think you can save on the tables and chairs, then you are wrong You need a very nice location for a F&B business, and nice location would cost you more than RM10k just for the deposit. Where can you start it with RM100k? Mind you this is not a budget hotel and if you want to save here and there, customers like us will not come to your place. We still have Old Town to go to
You are right, but you have to remember that not every area has an Old Town
So, if you could find an area with no old town to start, then that would be great.

Thank you guys for all the inputs. I'm interested in F&B biz and my purpose of creating this thread is to gather some opinion and info. I do believe renovation can be done at minimal cost. Look at some of the franchise outlet, they only paint the wall and hang some nice photo, no full wall tiles.

Location wise, alternatively can consider office area or business center. It is to cater office crowd for breakfast and lunch, little for dinner I guess.

Is it Chinese, Malay or Indian restaurant?
Where exactly is the location?
He has any proposals?

Ah, is it "My Home" in Bukit Tinggi Klang? That is a brilliant idea, affordable and good food + lots of varieties. I eat there often
First of all, your friend can cook? Is he going to manage the whole shop himself? I am interested if it is "real" money

Yup, I agree that My Home's food is good. That's why you could see me there
So, your friend isn't really interested in setting up the restaurant, isn't it?

Well, to anyone who is interested in going down F&B line, please bear in mind is a hell of a job.

You have to prepare for long hours, insufficient rest and sleep, no REAL off days (If you are the boss, then you better be there, can't expect the ship to sail without its captain!), sleepless nights, tired feet and hands etc.

If you are prepared for the stress on your body and mind, then please prepare at least RM200,000 at THE MINIMUM for a small cafe.

Even if you don't do much renovation, you need money and cashflow to sustain you for at least 3 to 6 months.

If you are thinking opening up a cafe or restaurant just because you want to be your boss, forget it. You have to be the best EMPLOYEE in your restaurant.

You are the first one to arrive in the morning, the last one to leave.
You should be the first one to calm down a complaining guest, the person they will blame on the most for their bad experience.

Overall, owning a restaurant is no joke, only if you had to passion to service you can last.

Could someone explain about this 1toeat Sdn Bhd to me? Is it a company that owns coffeeshop style kopitiams?

Actually, all along I'm also more interested in these kind of so-called "old school" kopitiams rather than cafes, especially outside the city areas. Jordy, count me in for the partnership too! Haha it seems we have several business owners and interested investors but not enough people with F&B experience to run the daily operations...

Thanks zenwell. Does anyone know if they own the shoplots or rented it from someone else?

I'm actually interested in this model of operation and even opened a thread to discuss it in the Property sub-forum. Take over a makan-shop, spruce it up, make it simple but clean and hygienic with clear and attractive signboards. Self-run the drinks stall and rent the food stalls out. Anyone interested in such a venture? Oops have we accidentally hijacked this thread??