Set-up F&B business (Indonesian food)

[xuherlin]

Hi

I need advice.

My partner and I currently have a plan to rent coffee shop to sell Indonesia food. We would sell drinks and different Indo food within the coffee shop.

We've several queries, hope someone could enlighten:

1) What kind of permit/licenses do we need?

2) I've checked with MOM that employing Indonesian cook is prohibited. As for F&B service sector, gov allows recruiting only Msia, HK, SKorea, TW, Macau nationals. And these nationals are allowed to apply for 'S' pass employment permit (basic salary >1,800 per month). I am trying to keep cost down by employing Indos, however, it's not possible. Besides, Indonesians will cook better Indo food than any others.

Is there an alternative?

3) Are there any considerations I should think of before venturing into F&B biz?

I can be reached at xuherlin@gmail.com

[jpatokal]

2) I've checked with MOM that employing Indonesian cook is prohibited. As for F&B service sector, gov allows recruiting only Msia, HK, SKorea, TW, Macau nationals. And these nationals are allowed to apply for 'S' pass employment permit (basic salary >1,800 per month). I am trying to keep cost down by employing Indos, however, it's not possible. Besides, Indonesians will cook better Indo food than any others. Is there an alternative?

MOM's restrictions apply only to non-resident Indonesians, so if you can find Singaporeans/PRs of Indonesian descent, they'd be able to work. That said, while I can see the bored wife of an Indonesian expat churning out some kueh in her spare time, I suspect you'll have a hard time finding anybody in this small and relatively pampered group interested in a tough and poorly paid job like coffeeshop cook...

[xuherlin]

Hi

Thanks.

Sometimes it makes me wonder, gov encourages entrepreneurship, however, it is real hard to keep cost down, and there's lots of restrictions to protect ones interest.

Any other lisence/things I have to consider prior to set-up F&B?

Your advice is appreciated.

[jpatokal]

Sometimes it makes me wonder, gov encourages entrepreneurship, however, it is real hard to keep cost down, and there's lots of restrictions to protect ones interest.

The Singapore government wants you to employ Singaporeans, preferably at huge salaries, not cheap Indonesians.

Any other lisence/things I have to consider prior to set-up F&B?

This gets asked all the time. Start here:

http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/ftopic42059.html