Brisk business: Goh (right) briefing a customer about his restaurant’s Chinese New Year reunion meal packages in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: Malaysian and Singaporean families started making reservations for next year’s Chinese New Year reunion meals at seafood restaurants here from as early as October.
The upcoming Chinese New Year falls on Jan 29.
Jacky Goh, senior manager of a popular Chinese seafood restaurant, said there has been an increase in bookings from Singaporean companies looking to hold their annual dinner here next year compared with this year.
“From what I understand, these companies usually hold a one- or two-day trip for their employees before treating them to a corporate meal at seafood restaurants,” he said.
He added that his restaurant will be opened for two sessions each for lunch and dinner.
“All 180 tables for the dinner sessions have been booked.
“Many placed their bookings as early as October, even before we launched our lunar festive menus,” he said, adding that the restaurant’s mid-range package is priced at RM1,588 for a table of 10.
To cater to more customers, Goh said the restaurant will be opening up its function hall, which can accommodate an additional 30 tables.
“Our customers are from Johor Baru, Kulai, Pontian and Singapore,” he said, adding that there are also bookings from Chinese expatriates who plan to spend their reunion gatherings here.
Phua Kai Hoo, who owns a seafood restaurant chain, said in contrast, bookings from local companies are coming in more slowly than in past years.
He said previously, bookings for corporate events came in around November but it has been “quieter” this year.
“We called up our corporate clients and were told that their bosses have yet to make a decision,” he said.
He added that business at his eatery has yet to return to the pre-Covid-19 peak.
Johor Chefs Association chairman John Ang said there has been a trend of late bookings from companies since last year.
