THE MCO HAS taught Penang’s services industry many lessons, for example pursuing the plethora of available consumer channels, to onboarding digitally and quickly for survival. But with the existing business model in Penang’s F&B industry, food operators are also discovering these are much easier said than done. Most are tied to a contract for a set time period, not to mention the finances already funnelled into the remodelling of their business premises.
Ong Seng Keat of Yin’s Sourdough Bakery tried, with his tech expertise, to sell its baked goods online. This was 10 years ago when the bakery first set up shop at Balik Pulau. But response from the local market was lukewarm. “People were not familiar with buying things online yet; they had no confidence in the online bank transfer system.” So, the traditional brick-and-mortar business model, with a proper kitchen and a dining space at a strategic location, was ultimately decided on.
Ong tried again at digitalising the business last year during Covid, with an app and an online store. This time, it was a success. “The purpose of moving Yin’s Bakery online and introducing Yin’s Mart is to diversify revenue streams, and to help keep our employees on the payroll and maintain daily operations."
