AT the age of 29, it would be remarkable for a person to be able to set up five eateries in a space of three years.
This was exactly what an energetic Muhammad Amirul Nizar Rozay did. He successfully set up BKE Station and has now owned five outlets within a short span of time – what more during this Covid-19 pandemic.
His business chain specialises in ‘Western’ food to attract a wide range of patrons.
Muhammad Amirul, who graduated with a diploma in food management from UiTM Permatang Pauh, said it was always his dream to set up an eatery outlet.
Providing him tremendous support is his wife, Nor Syahirah Ashri, who graduated with a degree in culinary art from Management & Science University.
“With the backing from my wife, we opened up our first branch in Kubang Semang three years ago.
“Frankly, when we started the business, it was not easy as we encountered one obstacle after another.
“But through perseverance and grit, we overcame them and have slowly increased our revenue.
“I would say that the digital marketing is of utmost importance for us to promote and boost our business.
“We have ventured into various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok to promote our business to the public.
“This is the trend among the youths nowadays and we need to adapt to these changes.
“Conventional method of promoting business may not be as effective compared to these various social media tools.
“We have also invited well-known artists and singers to promote our business. By their presence in our outlets, they indirectly help us to promote our business to their followers as well.
“It is costly, but we need to do our best to target the market audience,” said Amirul, who hails from Sungai Dua in north Seberang Perai district during an exclusive interview with Buletin Mutiara.
After tasting some success and gaining confidence, the couple decided to spread their wings. They then established another branch in Kepala Batas and two in Seberang Jaya on the mainland, and recently their fifth outlet in Permatang Damar Laut in Bayan Lepas on Penang island.
“I am extremely glad and pleased with all the support rendered to me, especially from my family members and friends, ” said Amirul.
But why chose the name ‘BKE Station’?
“It just struck us when we wanted to open our first outlet along the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) and we noticed there was no food outlet nearby,” he explained.
Batu Maung assemblyman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain praised Amirul for daring to dream big and expressed hopes that his success would set an exemplary model to others.
“I was shocked when Amirul told me that he is only 29 years old. It’s not easy for this young man to stand by himself and open five outlets in these few years.
“As we can see, the target market is always important in this business era. From here, we can see that Amirul is focusing on the young ones.
“This is something unique as we need to prioritise the youths nowadays as they are the pillar of our nation’s growth.
“E-commerce and online platforms have been trendy nowadays and businesses need to adapt this medium to sustain.
“The usage of cashless transactions is also a platform for Penangites to adapt.
“It’s easier, convenient and without any hassle,” said Abdul Halim, who is also the state Entrepreneur Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman.
Abdul Halim was also treated to a sumptuous meal during his visit to the outlet in Permatang Damar Laut recently.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee