Indie brands go for second helpings

THE tale of David trumping Goliath isn't new, but it seems to have uncanny resonance in the restaurant industry of late. While large restaurant groups are closing excess outlets or scaling down their fine-dining venues to offer high-volume casual grub instead, independent F&B outfits are happily surviving - and even thriving.

At least eight independent eateries have launched or are about to open second outlets with new concepts in the coming weeks. All this amid common grouses from restaurateurs over escalating rents, short-term leases, the crippling quota on foreign labour, and the shortage of skilled and willing local staff.

While the same issues dog the Davids of the local restaurant industry, many say that growth in such a competitive climate is still possible for small eateries, and staff retention is pivotal to managing their expansions.