Q Bistro – A mouthwatering Indian Muslim restaurant

Q Bistro started catering good Indian Muslim food since 1968. Its instant success led to the rapid growth and expansion of the food business in Malaysia. Ever since they had successfully opened more than 5 restaurants with new concepts that revolved Indian Muslim food business. They are currently running as a private company, carrying on the business of restaurants, F&B Services, catering, retail outlets and others. In this interview with Mohd Ubaidah B Hj Abd Karim, Franchise Operation Manager for Q Bistro, tells us the story of Q Bistro – A mouthwatering Indo-Muslim restaurant chain in Malaysia.

1.How did you enter in the franchise business?

The story begins in 1968, when Mr. Muhammad Dulkif decided to open a small food business in Batu Gajah to cater good Indian Muslim food to people of Batu Gajah. The business response was overwhelming and he moved to Kuala Lumpur to seek better business opportunities. Mr. Dulkif started a food stall in Taman Midah and later 1981 as the business flourished another stall was established in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Sg. Besi and moving forth the 3rd stall at Len Sing Garden, Petaling Jaya and in 1984 he opened up another stall in Taman Tenaga, Cheras.

In year 1993, his son Mr. Riyasutin Bin Mohammed Dulkif’ continued that business along with his mother after the bereavement of his father. Mr. Riyasutin dedicated all his enthusiasm and efforts to maintain and grow the existing business.

Few years later in year 2000, Mr. Riyasutin best friend ‘Mr. Haja Najmuddin ’ joined him and due to mutual understanding and strong efforts; both Mr. Riyasutin and Mr. Haja have succeed in transforming the business from stall base into conducive restaurant at Pandan Perdana Kuala Lumpur.

In few years, we successfully opened more than 10 restaurants with new concepts that revolved Indian Muslim food business.

2. Where and how did the idea of your concept come from?

The Mamaks (meaning ‘uncle’) are actually people of Indian Muslims race that originated from the Madras Presidency. They first arrived in Malaysia during the 19th century, doing business in trading. Along with their cultural background, the Mamaks also brought and introduced to all Malaysians their culinary expertise. Food like murtabak, roti canai, mee goreng, and nasi kandar are some of the mouth-watering “mamak” meals indulged by many Malaysians on a daily basis. Then, there is also the famous teh tarik, a drink you must try! The list also goes on to cover mee rebus, mee goreng and other variations that the Malaysians have grown to love.

3. What inspired the brand name?

Q in logo means Quality whereas the name nasi kandar came about from a time when nasi (rice) hawkers or vendors would balance a kandar pole on their shoulder with two huge containers of rice meals.

4. What is the story behind the brand’s logo?

Q’ stand for Quality

‘Q’ stand for ‘Queen’ or in malay ‘Permaisuri’ where we started our 1st outlet in Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Cheras in 2008

5. What makes your brand different from your competitors?

We have a unique product. We are the first full dining specialty Malaysian restaurant in the region with 200+ menu varieties from Indian, Chinese, Malay, Thai & Western food.  Together with our commitment to make Q BISTRO a lifestyle dining  experience,  we  are confident that the Q BISTRO’s  concept under our comprehensive franchise system can replicate successfully in other parts of the world.

6. What are the essential qualities that you look for in a franchisee?

When choosing a franchisee, our company primarily looks at these criteria’s

Business Background – F&B experience is an advantage and passionate about food & beverage

7. How long does it take, in an average, for your franchisee to realize their investment?

3 to 6 month

8. What was the major challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Covid-19 is the biggest challenge which is we have to re-plan whatever our business plan in 2020 and 2021 and our franchise expansion have been put on hold

8.1. What is your best achievement?

We are award winning restaurant

1. ASEAN Most Recognized Brand in Modernization Indian Muslim Restaurant 2016 (ASEAN Outstanding Award)
2. SME CONGRESS & GOLDEN DINAR Award 2017
3. SME BRAND LAUREATE 2018 (Best Brand – Restaurant)

9. How does your business day start?

The working day starts with Teh Tarik , news and meeting with my colleagues.

10. What was your best moment throughout your franchise career?

When we signed a Franchise Agreement with our first franchisee

11. Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

My vision is to grow the franchise as well as gain even more Franchisees and Franchisors friends

12. Any tips you want to impart to our readers who want to be in the franchise industry?

Franchise in my opinion is the best method to develop a business in the world.

Fundamentally, the idea of franchising is a business marriage between existing businesses and newcomers to the entrepreneurial scene.

In order to achieve a  high level of  success,   each Franchisee must adhere to the proven reliable and valid system of operating procedures. A thorough working  knowledge of the vision, objectives, policies   and procedures, and a commitment to safeguard the interest of all Franchisees are also key determinants of success.

For any further franchising query please contact Mohd Ubaidah B Hj Abd Karim:

Email: ubai@qbistro.com Phone: +601150008811

Get to know who are the industry key players, visit our Interview of the Week page.

To stay updated, visit our Franchise News section.

To learn more, visit our Franchising Tips section.