September 10, 2012 12:36 PM
Japanese F&B consulting firm Operation factory Ltd has debut in Singapore! Oyster bar & grill wharf
Mr. Hirokazu Kakimoto Dinelike Pte Ltd Director [Singapore]
By Nanao Tanaka September 2, 2012
Keywords : an operation factory mojito Oyster Bar Robertson Quay
Operation Factoy Ltd, the company manages 37 outlets in Japan and produces countless number of F&B to a new level. In this July, its Singapore branch, Dinelike Pte Ltd has finally revealed its own managed restaurant, oyster bar & grill wharf. They furnish with globally experienced Japanese chief and collaborating with domestic seafood supplier to bring fresh oysters and seafood on the table. After 5 years of experience in supporting Singapore F&B scene, Dinelike Pte Ltd injected its marketing strength to an oyster bar targeting at Caucasians and locals. Interview was conducted with its director Mr Kakimoto.
Mr. Kakimoto Hirokazu Director
The first thing they have decided was location and concept and cuisine has followed. Chosen location was Robertson quay by the Singapore river. You can easily see full of neighborhood Caucasians and Japanese expats occupying the best river view seating on any day of the week in the area. It is a familiar place especially for Japanese as next door is well-known Japanese BBQ restaurant and the unit taken used to be a Japanese bookstore. After compiling all the strength comes from chosen location, they have decided to make themselves as an oyster bar which is still developing market in Singapore. wharf's free and easy entrance makes no barrier but the style reminds of the wharf in timber walls.
The first thing they have decided was location and concept and cuisine has followed. Chosen location was Robertson quay by the Singapore river. You can easily see full of neighborhood Caucasians and Japanese expats occupying the best river view seating on any day of the week in the area. It is a familiar place especially for Japanese as next door is well-known Japanese BBQ restaurant and the unit taken used to be a Japanese bookstore. After compiling all the strength comes from chosen location, they have decided to make themselves as an oyster bar which is still developing market in Singapore. wharf's free and easy entrance makes no barrier but the style reminds of the wharf in timber walls.
Pub-looking opening entrance
Party happening on terrace seats
Opening kitchen decorated with wine bottles
The first thing to make you go wow on the menu is the list of mojitos. There are over 100 varieties of mojitos and wines and none the less the illustration which describes the contents of each mojito is so entertaining like you want to own the menu yourself. For example, "Cristal mojito" is described as Bacardi Rum 8%, sparkling wine 80%, gold powder 2%, lime 3% , mojito lime syrup little bit, fresh mint 2%. Also they have collected over 200 kinds of friendly tongue touch wines from S$6 per glass to mid-priced bottles. Wine has been mostly on consignment to focus on quantity of kinds to make the menu attractive.
Over 100 kinds of mojito menu with colorful illustration
Recommended Wharf original Mojito S$12 and Fresh water melon mojito S$15
wharf also serves the best of fresh, steamed, fried and deep-fried oyster served by Japanese head chef who had widely experienced in Japanese sushi, French, and Italian restaurants. Oyster supplier is still yet to improve in Singapore as well as countries to supply from is limited.
Fresh oyster 1 Dozen S$68 ½ dozen S$35
Steamed oyster (4pcs) S$32
Deep-fry oyster (3pcs) S$8
wharf had successfully resulted to bring very best of the oyster dishes after hard researches and many nights struggles at reasonable price of S$70 per person dinner which is average price setting for Japanese restaurant serving quality meats or seafood. They have generous business hour until 2am daily as well as wide range of alcoholic drinks lead them to make mid night sales of S$30 per person .
Although there is several western cuisine restaurants serves oyster as one of the a la carte menu, there is yet to have an oyster bar with strong branding. We seek the potential of wharf to be one of the representative oyster bars in Singapore.
Currently their main customers are Japanese as it completes 60% out of all due to high appearance in Japanese local media. Their next challenge is to expand on initial target of Caucasian and also to develop on sub-targeted local customers to experience the wharf's oysters.
Monthly sales target of S$200 thousand is getting in good shape after completing first month after opening.
Director Mr.Kakimoto is planning to expand 5-10 outlets in Singapore within 5 years. Beside opening branches, they are also keen to develop into other original brands as well and producing and consulting the F&B firms to increasing hubs of their business in Singapore as well as in neighborhood Asian countries.
As Operation factory Ltd, is planning to expand their business of managing restaurant and producing F&B into Asia. The uniqueness of non-Japanese restaurant development by a Japanese firm is the key to be adopted in Asian market. Can't wait for their next big movement!
