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Fishing for fame and fortune Although Malaysia is famous for its abundance of good food, there seems to be a dearth of branded Malaysian entities that have truly made an impact in the local food and beverage scene. Fortunately, the scenario has undergone vast improvements within the last three to five years thanks to the involvement of younger and more enterprising personalities like George Ang and Dr Jeffrey Goh. “Years ago people would laugh when you tell them your restaurant brand originated from Malaysia,” said Dr Goh, a former dental surgeon and co-founder of The Manhattan Fish Market.  Malaysian original: Dr Jeffrey Goh’s Manhattan Fish Market.
“When we opened The Manhattan Fish Market in Singapore, there was no escaping the cynicism and derisiveness but we managed to deflect the negativity once the disbelievers saw how our outlet reeled in the crowd night after night.” Best buddies since they were six, both Ang and Goh decided to turn their mutual passion for good food into a profitable joint business venture about six years ago by establishing The Manhattan Fish Market. Inspired by the famous 180-year-old Manhattan Fish Market located on Fulton Street in Brooklyn, in the United States, their casual seafood dining outlet cannily keeps local diners ensnared with American and Mediterranean-style seafood delights, such as Fish and Chips, Garlic Butter Mussels and Flaming Seafood Platter. Response has been so overwhelmingly positive that the outlet is now reeling in diners not only in Malaysia, but also Thailand, Singapore and most recently, the Middle East. For a relative newcomer that is less than a decade old, this is something of an accomplishment. “People are always surprised when they discover The Manhattan Fish Market is a Malaysian brand. What amazes them more is how well we have performed within such a short span of time,” said Ang. Dr Goh said: “Malaysia is an amazing land of opportunities. We’re just two ordinary guys who have set out to realise our dreams and succeeded. I believe if one is willing to work hard, the necessary support is in place for aspiring local entrepreneurs. “We’re proof of this”. “Malaysians also love to eat at all hours of the day and the big middle class segment here is The Manhattan Fish Market’s target market,” said Ang. “Although the field may be a little crowded, we believe there’s still room for growth. As diners become more fussy and conscious about eating well, many will opt for healthier food choices, such as grilled or baked fish and seafood. “This is where we anticipate The Manhattan Fish Market will stand to gain even more.” Both of them affirm that The Manhattan Fish Market will continue to keep the Jalur Gemilang flying high in the world culinary arena. “We intend to push The Manhat-tan Fish Market into greater prominence internationally, so watch out world!”
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Post time 6-8-2014 08:05 AM
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