Rotiboy is one of the most popular bakery chains in Malaysia, known for selling its signature bun. For Malaysians, it’s nearly impossible not to recognize this beloved store. Despite its high demand, the company recently closed one of its oldest outlets at Suria KLCC after 21 years of operation. Why did it close down? Did something happen? Has the brand faced similar challenges over the years?
The story begins with the founder, Hiro Tan, who opened the first Rotiboy Bakeshoppe in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. The brand quickly became a household name, thanks to original recipes passed down from his sister. Hiro adapted the recipe to suit local tastes, and within a few years, the bun became a favourite among Malaysians.
Like many entrepreneurs, Hiro’s journey wasn’t easy. When he expanded the business to the Klang Valley in 2001, alongside his younger brother, they faced significant financial challenges. Before the business found its footing, the successful businessman revealed that they were forced to sell his brother’s car to keep the business afloat, with daily sales barely reaching RM60 at times.
Today, the company has grown into a successful brand with over 85 outlets, both locally and internationally, in places like Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, Korea, and China. Rotiboy also operates three manufacturing facilities in Indonesia and Malaysia.
So, why did the Suria KLCC outlet close? Hiro explained that the outlet had been struggling financially for several years. “We tried to keep it,” he shared in an interview with BFM 89.9. “My heart hurts, and a lot of people are disappointed. But at the end of the day, we had to let it go.”
Although the KLCC branch is no longer in operation, there are still many outlets open, including those at Pavilion KL, Jalan Kuching, KIP Mall Bangi, SOGO KL, and various train stations and petrol stations across the country. Let’s hope that Rotiboy continues to expand and bring the joy of their crispy, aromatic, buttery buns to even more locations in Malaysia.
Watch the full interview here:
@bfmradio Berapa kos nak buka satu kedai Rotiboy? Kenapa cawangan Rotiboy di KLCC ditutup selepas 21 tahun? 🏃🏽💰 Bu$y Finding Modal – Episode 15 Busy Finding Modal is powered by U Business. Malaysia’s No.1 5G Network. 5G makes business sense. #rotiboy #businesstok #foodiemy
♬ original sound – BFM89.9 – Bold Frank Media – BFM89.9 – Bold Frank Media
Sources: VULCAN POST, Orca Blog, TikTok
Sakinah contributed to this article.
