Appetising prospects

HIGH rentals and the manpower squeeze are long-running woes of Singapore restaurateurs just trying to stay in business, never mind those with dreams of expansion. But if you're a more established food and beverage (F&B) brand with a loyal following, there are opportunities to be found overseas, as names such as Crystal Jade, Les Amis, Tung Lok and Jumbo Seafood have found.

But taking that plunge overseas isn't just the purview of the big boys. In fact, three indie operators - Papa Palheta, 7Kickstart Cafe and Kilo - are already spreading their wings in the region. All this without the clout and financial backing of their senior brethren.

"Of course when you're bigger, it's easier to attract potential partners when you enter the market - we have more concepts to offer, they have more faith," points out Raymond Lim, Les Amis Group spokesman. "You have more value-add than smaller businesses."