Capitol Satay Celup in Melaka to close after 30 years
We haven’t been able to plan staycation trips centred around food for months due to strict interstate travel limits under the various lockdowns. With less footfall in popular food haunt destinations such as Melaka, restaurants are having to bear immense losses caused by the pandemic.
Such is the case with Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant. The popular satay celup spot in Melaka – which often saw snaking lines outside their restaurant before the pandemic struck – recently announced that they will be ceasing operations as early as November 2021 after 30 years of serving customers.
Popular satay celup restaurant in Melaka closing soon
On 28th September 2021, Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant took to their Facebook page to inform their followers of their impending closure. The restaurant – widely known among locals and tourists for their take on Melaka speciality dish, satay celup – shared that they will be shutting their doors in two months.
They’ve been around for 30 years, selling lok lok and satay sauce via tricycle before settling in at a physical store on Lorong Bukit Cina where they’ve been serving customers ever since.
No exact date or reason for their closure was mentioned in the post. But the restaurant assured their loyal patrons that they will continue to serve fully vaccinated individuals for dine-ins “until further notice”.
Image credit: Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant
According to a report by China Press, the third-generation owner of the restaurant gave several reasons for the restaurant’s closure, set for early November at the latest. This includes a plunge in business during the pandemic, and the restaurant being unable to make ends meet due to spikes in ingredient prices and rent.
The landlord of the building which the restaurant occupies is said to have increased rent by 30% ever since they reopened. Costs of maintaining appliances such as refrigerators, and a slowdown in business, has also made it hard for the restaurant to carry on with operations.
Image credit: Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant
Once upon a time, Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant was able to rack in a record-breaking RM2 million in a year to cover their expenses. This is all thanks to support from international travellers, including actors from Hong Kong and Taiwan, to locals who often frequent the restaurant.
But coupled with dine-in and travel bans, they haven’t been able to survive on takeaways and deliveries, earning less than RM5,000 in a month at times. During its worst periods, they’ve even seen days of zero income too.
Image credit: Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant
The restaurant has since started selling their famous satay sauce online on Shopee, and made their menu available on FoodPanda – so those looking to continue supporting them can even do so online.
If you’re in Melaka and looking to support them in person, the Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant opens from Tuesday to Saturday, from 4PM to 11PM, for dine-ins for the fully vaccinated, as well as takeaways and deliveries.
Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant in Melaka to close in November
It’s been difficult on businesses, including restaurants, during the pandemic, as dine-ins have not been allowed until recently for the fully vaccinated.
The growing list of closures now includes Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant in Melaka, which many will, no doubt, miss out on once they cease operations.
Read more here:
- F.O.S closes first-ever megastore in Mid Valley after 22 years
- Suria KLCC’s Rasa Food Arena closes after 22 years of operation
- Angry Birds Activity Park in JB closes its doors due to the pandemic
Cover image adapted from: Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant and Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant