Boy band Bunkface diversifies with early restaurant market entry; collaborates with local Halal-certified Miami Grill franchise owner
Miami Grill International, Inc. welcomes Bunkface & Associates as a new Malaysian franchisee. The boy band, well-known in Malaysia and Asia, has committed to a 2500 sq. ft. location in the SACC Mall, Shah Alam, Malaysia, which is set to open in early 2017.
According to Sam, lead singer of the band, Bunkface carries its own label of perfume, merchandise and garments, but they wanted to add something new to the mix. “We wanted to diversify our business. We are currently in the music industry and we wanted to be among the first to grab the fantastic opportunity to be part of Miami Grill International.”
The band is not the first music industry artist to seek ownership in Miami Grill. In the U.S., Armando Christian “Pitbull” Pérez is an equity partner in the Miami Grill brand due in part to his appreciation of how the restaurant embodies the essence of South Beach so effectively.
Bunkface and Associates will collaborate with Hanizah Othman, who owns the Miami Grill located at Sunway Pyramid Mall in Malaysia. Earlier this year, this location earned Halal certification, undergoing a stringent examination of every restaurant detail, including outlet design, people, process, system and food supply chain from farm to table. According to Othman, everything is scrutinized and tested thoroughly to ensure a quality product, high standard of hygiene, traceability to the source, and location approval.
Miami Grill International, Inc.’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Austin Saldanha, expressed great optimism regarding the fast-casual chain’s development in Malaysia. “We welcome Bunkface to our growing international franchise family, and we look forward to supporting them as they enter a new industry,” he said. “Based on their success thus far, we predict a homerun.”
Robert Haar, Miami Grill’s Vice President of Franchise Development, has been working closely with Hanizah Othman over the last several years and he also anticipates great success for the new Malaysian location in 2017. “Hanizah understands what appeals to this market, including the importance of the Halal certification, and she will provide exceptional advice and guidance to the new location owners.”
Bunkface’s Sam is equally enthusiastic, and said, “We’ve been heavy supporters of Miami Grill since the day it landed in our country in January 2015. We love the food and the lifestyle concept because it’s not just about the fantastic food — it’s about enjoying the whole ambience and truly feeling like we flew to Miami without using our International passports. This is the experience we want to share with others.”
South-Florida based Miami Grill is the hottest fast casual concept to hit the market, developed by the same owners as Miami Subs, Miami Subs Capital Partners 1, Inc. and key equity partner, Armando Christian “Pitbull” Pérez. Miami Grill and its “Everything Goes” concept embody the taste and sensations of South Beach and provide a diverse menu unlike any other chain in the category. For franchising and other information, visit www.miamigrillfranchise.com.
