Since the start of the Movement Control Order (MCO), many businesses are struggling to stay afloat while numerous are counting thousands or even millions of losses daily. Jeremy Lim, Restaurant and Bistro Owners Association media advisor states that up to 60% of local eateries in Malaysia could be forced to cease operations and shut permanently within the next two months if the dine-in ban continues.
The F&B association representative said that about 500,000 jobs and livelihoods are at stake as the companies had less than two months of cash flow left. “A rough estimate of about 30% of some 200,000 food and beverage establishments have already shut down since the start of the pandemic. Many more have already suspended their operations, but many have no other option but close if the ban on dine-ins are not lifted,” he remarked during a virtual press conference last week.
While some are still hanging by the thread, sadly the pandemic has caused many other business to suffer . Here’s the list of local eateries that have closed or will be closing down due to the Covid-19 pandemic:
1. Pun’s
- Pun’s began operation in 2018 as a project between two talented chefs and best friends – Euwie and Elaine. It first operated as a home-churned ice cream with one-of-a-kind flavours store when not long after it turned into a fully-grown eatery. The lists of menu consist of burgers, fried chicken waffles and of course their homemade ice cream flavours.
- Pun decided to close its outlets permanently on 27th June 2021. They announced the closure of the stores in an Instagram post on 25th June.
- “We’ve faced many notable ups and downs but unfortunately the ‘downs’ kept on coming. We hope that one day we will get the chance to reopen Pun’s and It’s original concept, but till then stay safe, stay positive and stay Punny,” they remarked in the announcement post.
2. Wizards At Tribeca
- For an avid café hopper in the heart of KL, this café would have certainly come up as a top spot to visit. Wizard At Tribeca is famous for their instagrammable spot and store deco as well as their selection of brunch and dinner. Each plate’s aesthetic plating of the dish makes it a go-to spot for friends and family.
- Wizards At Tribeca will still be operating until 31st July 2021 as their current lease contract runs out at the end of the month. In a recent Instagram post announcing their closure, it was also stated that they are currently looking for interested buyers to take over Wizards and possibly continue its 4 years legacy.
3. Coliseum Café
- The 99-year-old legendary Coliseum Café at Jalan Tar is one of the oldest and most iconic restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. The café was established in 1921 and was due to celebrate its 100-year anniversary this year.
- Azrain Azman, Coliseum Café marketing manager said that, “We have not been able to sustain since the first MCO. We relied on dine-ins, and the regulars who used to visit the café couldn’t come because the city was in lockdown.” The café has been serving Hainanese-western style food since 1921 and it has experienced a sharp decline in customers since the pandemic started last year.
- Although the original Coliseum Café is closing down, the good news is other Coliseum Café outlets remain open and you can still visit them. The current outlets are located at Plaza 33, Petaling Jaya, Mid Valley Megamall Kuala Lumpur and IOI City Mall Putrajaya.
4. Little Rimba
- Located in the neighborhood of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur, the café that was opened back in 2018 instantly became a crowd-favourite spot for many. Little Rimba was known for its Malaysian comfort food and instagrammable spot of colourful murals, and minimalistic décor.
- Little Rimba had not been operating since the beginning of MCO in January 2021. Although many of the café regulars have left comments on the store’s Instagram asking when it would reopen, the store however responded with a sad news of its permanent closure.
- Little Rimba has announced in an Instagram post on 25th June of its permanent closure that will be effective immediately. “All good things will come to an end. Chombi hoped that you had a great time here. You’ll be missed my friend,” the announcement concluded with a hashtag, #everythinghastheend.
5. The Owls Café
- The Owls Café has also announced the closure of their One Space outlet in Subang Jaya after their sales dropped significantly since the MCO started. “Our sales drop significantly from MCO 1.0 to MCO 3.0 until it comes to a point where we realize that we need to retrench our size. It is with great sadness to announce that we will be closing down The Owls Café at One Space, Subang Jaya,” the announcement was made on The Owls social media pages.
- The Owls outlet in Subang Jaya closed its door on 30th June 2021, however, you can still order the cafe’s delicious pastas and waffles from other The Owls outlets in Bukit Jalil, MyTown and Petaling Jaya.
6. Sin Hoy How
- Sin Hoy How was established in 1937 and the store is well known for its old-fashioned vibe and authentic taste of Hainanese cuisines. The hawker store is loved for its signature coffee and frequent customers also visit the store to enjoy the traditional toast and homemade kaya for breakfast as well as its asam laksa and curry noodles.
- Sadly, the 84-year-old restaurant will also be closing its shutters soon at the end of this month due to the losses caused by lockdown restrictions. According to the owner, Lily Fong, it has been a difficult time for them to continue operations due to the series of lockdowns implemented by the government.
- You can still visit the restaurant before its closure by the end of this month. Or if you miss the taste of their famous roasted coffee, you can order their famous coffee powder on Shopee or visit their website to place an order online.
7. ChimiChurri
- ChimiChurri was first launched in 2014, and since then, the restaurant has opened several outlets in the Klang Valley area. The restaurant is acclaimed for its wraps and healthy salad bowls.
- In a similar case, the well-loved restaurant too has recently announced its closure on 29th July in an Instagram post. “Dear Chimi fans, with a heavy heart, we hereby announce that ChimiChurri will cease operation on 29th July 2021 onwards because we are unable to sustain the business, due to current circumstances. We really appreciate your support for the last 7 years,” the announcement posted on 16th July.
- You can still enjoy the last few meals from the restaurant before it closes for good at the end of the month.
Sources: KLFoodie (1)(2)(3)(4)(5), Says, The Star
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