Starting or growing your restaurant takes more than just good food. You also need money to open your doors, buy equipment, hire staff, or even expand to a new location. But to get that money, whether it’s from investors, banks, or partners, you need to tell your story in the right way. That’s where a restaurant pitch deck comes in. You might be wondering, what is a pitch deck? It’s a short, clear presentation that shows what your restaurant is all about, why it matters, and why someone should invest in it. Think of it as your restaurant’s story, told in a way that makes people want to be part of your journey.
In Malaysia, getting funding is one of the biggest challenges for new food businesses. According to a 2024 report by the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC), more than 60% of food and beverage startups in Malaysia fail within the first three years due to a lack of capital and planning. A strong restaurant pitch deck can help you avoid becoming one of these statistics. Let’s walk through when you need a pitch deck and how to make one that truly speaks to investors.
When Do You Need a Restaurant Pitch Deck?
If you’re just opening a small food stall or café using your savings, you might not need one right away. But the moment you look for external support—whether it’s a loan, a business partner, or an investor—a pitch deck becomes essential.
You need a restaurant pitch deck if:
- You’re seeking restaurant funding to launch your first outlet.
- You want to open new branches and need money to scale.
- You’re bringing in partners and need to show your restaurant’s value and vision.
- You’re applying for funding programs, grants, or incubators like those offered by MDEC or Cradle Fund.
In short, if you want someone else to believe in your idea and give you money for it, you need a clear and convincing pitch.
How Do I Make a Pitch Deck?
The best pitch decks tell a simple but powerful story. They are short—usually 10 to 15 slides—but cover all the key things an investor wants to know. Let’s go through the main parts you should include in your restaurant pitch deck:
1. Introduction Slide
Start by telling who you are and what your restaurant is about. This is your chance to grab attention. Don’t just say “we serve good food.” Say what makes you different. Maybe you’re the first vegan burger café in Ipoh or you’re offering a unique dining experience with locally sourced ingredients.
2. Problem and Solution
What problem are you solving? Are people in your area tired of overpriced meals? Is there no late-night food option nearby? Clearly show the gap you’re filling—and how your restaurant offers the perfect solution.
3. Market Opportunity
Show that there is a strong demand. Use real data. For example, according to Statista, Malaysia’s food service industry revenue was estimated at RM 49.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow steadily. Explain how big the market is and how your restaurant fits in.
4. Business Model
Tell how your restaurant makes money. Is it dine-in, takeaway, or delivery? Do you also sell merchandise or offer catering? This helps investors understand how you plan to grow.
5. Menu and Concept
This is where you show the heart of your idea. Add pictures or mockups of your menu. Make it visual. Show why people would love to eat at your place. Don’t just list items—explain the concept behind your food.
6. Marketing and Customer Acquisition
How will you attract and keep customers? Talk about your marketing plans. Maybe you plan to use food delivery apps, social media marketing, loyalty programs, or influencer collaborations.
7. Team
Show who is behind the business. If you have chefs, co-founders, or advisors with strong backgrounds, highlight them. Investors invest in people as much as in ideas.
8. Financials
Include a simple table showing your estimated income and expenses for the next 1-3 years. You don’t need to show every detail—just revenue, cost of goods, rent, staff costs, and profit estimates. Also show how much money you are asking for and how it will be used (e.g., RM 200,000 for equipment, RM 50,000 for marketing, etc.).
9. Traction (if any)
If you’ve already started operations or done a test run, share your numbers. Maybe you’ve served 10,000 customers or reached RM 50,000 in monthly sales. This builds trust.
10. Call to Action
End with what you want—an investment, a partnership, a grant—and make it clear. Include your contact details and invite questions.
Free Restaurant Pitch Deck Template
You don’t have to start from scratch. Many tools like Canva, PowerPoint, and Google Slides let you build a pitch deck quickly. If you’re looking for a free restaurant pitch deck template, Canva has several options designed for food businesses. You can choose a design and simply add your details. If you’re part of a startup accelerator in Malaysia (like MAGIC, MaGIC’s Global Accelerator Programme, or Selangor Accelerator Programme), they might even offer pitch deck workshops or templates.
Examples of Real Restaurant Pitch Decks
To get some inspiration, here are a few examples from well-known brands:
- Sweetgreen (US) – Their early pitch deck focused on their mission to serve healthy, fast food, and clearly explained their supply chain and branding.
- Eatsa (US) – Their deck highlighted their tech-driven concept where customers ordered from tablets, reducing labour costs.
- Yo! Sushi (UK) – They created a strong visual pitch deck showing their conveyor-belt sushi concept with photos, design layout, and customer experience.
While these are international examples, you can apply the same structure to your pitch in Malaysia. For example, if you’re opening a Nasi Kandar cloud kitchen in Johor Bahru, you can showcase your delivery strategy, packaging, and cost efficiency.
Keep It Simple and Honest
The most convincing restaurant pitch is not always the one with the flashiest design. It’s the one that is honest, clear, and shows you’ve done your homework. Avoid overpromising. If you’re asking for RM 300,000, explain exactly how it will be used and how long it will last. If you’re not sure about some parts, that’s okay. Investors will appreciate your honesty more than fake numbers.
FAQs
A pitch deck is not just for big fancy chains. Even if you’re starting a food truck in Penang or a satay stall in KL, you can build a pitch that speaks to the heart and brain of potential investors. With the right restaurant pitch, you can open doors that lead to real growth and success. Take your time to prepare it well. Use a free restaurant pitch deck template if needed. And if you’re ever in doubt, remember, this is your chance to tell your story and show others why your food deserves to be shared with the world. To create an excellent customer experience at your restaurant, get EasyEat.
