How to Open a Restaurant in Semarang

The culinary market in Semarang is having great potential for substantial growth. Despite the current slowing economy around the world, culinary and food businesses are going strong in the city. Many foreign investors keep coming to Indonesia and invest heavily in the culinary market, especially in opening a restaurant in Semarang. The city has various types of restaurants including western, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and many others.

The reasons for this progressing culinary scene in Semarang are simple. There are many tourists and attractions in the city and everyone needs a place to eat.

Furthermore, the improving infrastructure, developing transportation facilities, and the overall advanced progress of the entire city, all having an enormous impact on tourism and food businesses.

Although Semarang is a smaller city than Surabaya, people in Semarang have high purchasing power, and thus eating out at a restaurant is no longer just a luxury. Plus, many restaurants offer menus with different prices catering to different customer groups.

In this guide, Cekindo will tell you all you need to know about opening a restaurant in Semarang.

Must-have Items for Your Restaurant

A meticulously-written business plan and a menu with great food are the first two things you need to get ready to ensure a rewarding restaurant business in Semarang.

Then, you will need to prepare the must-have items, especially the equipment, for your restaurant to get your business up and running to generate profits. New restaurant equipment is readily available in Semarang; you can also find a decent quality, second-hand equipment in Semarang’s local supply stores.

Depending on your budget to open a restaurant in Semarang, leasing your restaurant equipment is also possible in addition to purchasing them. However, one thing to keep in mind is that you should never skimp on your restaurant equipment as they are your restaurant’s foundation that can define your business success.

Here is a list of important items that a basic restaurant must have:

Restaurant’s Front of House

• Point-of-sale (POS) system
• Tables and chairs
• Security system
• Tap
• Linens

Restaurant’s Back of House

• Food preparation counters
• Refrigerator
• Freezer
• Oven
• Gas and electricity
• Dishwasher
• Food processors, slicers, and mixers
• A comprehensive range of knives for different cutting purposes
• Sinks
• Ice machine
• Payroll software
• Racks for raw materials, dry goods, and seasonings
• Bowls, pans, cutlery, pots
• Time and attendance software
• Safety equipment that meets safety requirements

Process on How to Open a Restaurant in Semarang

Establish a Company in Semarang

There are two common types of legal entities available for you to select from to set up your restaurant in Semarang:

1. A foreign-owned company (PT PMA)

This type of company allows foreigners to have a maximum of 100% foreign ownership. However, the percentage of foreign ownership is based on the Negative Investment List.

2. A local company (PT)

A PT is fully-owned by Indonesian nationals and it is easier to set up compared to PT PMA. Foreigners can open a PT through a Special Purpose Agreement.

Licenses for Opening a Restaurant in Semarang

You will need the license Tanda Daftar Usaha Pariwisata (TDUP) from the Ministry of Culture to become a restaurant owner in Semarang.

If you also want to sell alcoholic drinks in your restaurant to serve a more international crowd, a special permit known as SIUP-MB is compulsory. Also, You will have to obtain an NPPBKC permit to produce your beer and other kinds of alcoholic drinks; and an intellectual property license to use pre-recorded music.

How Cekindo Can Assist

Cekindo’s advisors understand the realities of opening and running a restaurant business in Semarang. We have assisted countless local and foreign entrepreneurs to plan their startups and pull through obstacles.

When you start a business in a new and unfamiliar territory, you need advice you can trust. Also, you want to be able to put this advice into practice.

You can count on Cekindo for this. We provide practical, proven strategies that are adapted to your business needs and can be implemented effectively.

We will prepare important steps to make your business emerge from the crowds and help you mitigate risks. With our immense market experience, we can also help you capitalise on immediate opportunities for your business to prosper.

Fill in the form below to discuss your business plan immediately with our experts.