20/04/2020
Ever since the business was launched four years ago, this will be the first time and probably the last time to express our personal thoughts on this page, especially to those who knew Offside, visited and cares about us. In the era of information explosion, without the marketing gimmicks of engaging influencer or fancy advertisement, it is challenging for people to remember the brand, or even giving us an opportunity by paying their first visit. Thus, we always feel lucky and blessed for being able to survive in the red ocean all these years, we would like to thank especially those who might doubted when first came in, but later became regular customers and eventually helped to promote us among their friends and families! Also thanks to the countless words of encouragement and affirmation throughout the journey.
We called this a belated farewell letter, why is it belated? Honestly, during the past 4 years, similar idea has been coming into our mind for times “Should we give up?” especially towards young entrepreneurs like us that are often vulnerable to so much uncertainties. And today, I would like to take this opportunity to share bit and pieces of our story. The idea of this restaurant was first inspired from an experience visited a popular food court nearby, it was during my college times, when LIVE broadcast was not a common thing on internet, people tends to watch football games in Mamak stall or bar, cheering with others to support their favourite team. On that night, my cousin dropped by earlier to book for a best-view table, unfortunately, we were forced to leave within 5 minutes after sit down as one of the friends felt uncomfortable with the smokers around us, we ended up watching the match at home. So an idea came afterwards telling that “We need a space, a family-oriented, cosy environment where people can bring their families, friends and loved ones to enjoy and their favourite team together!”
In the year of 2016, collating the efforts of supportive partners and loved ones, it marks the birth of Offside. In fact due to very limited pennies in our pocket, everything you see here in Offside, such as interior design, logo, kitchen setup, furnishing, inventory and license application are mostly from the hands of every single partners and family members. The satisfying faces and scenes while working on the menu, putting on the wallpaper together, assembling the furniture, installing grass carpet and flooring, painting and endless cleaning and cleaning, will never been wiped out from our memories.
It was always “complicated” when the business first started, which I believe many business owners share the same thought. Lots of unexpected stuffs could beyond one’s imagination, many times when you think it has fall into valley, but there could be another even worse valley waiting right after. It was an intense learning process that we have to be well-prepared, both mentally and physically. Again due to limited budget in advertising, we have been discussing all the time on how to promote ourselves by utilizing whatever resources, sometimes even distributing the flyers on our own. Honestly this could be an interesting experience, even though most of the time people would just decline, however there are times where people are willing to stop by, listened and sharing valuable feedbacks and opinions.
The business wasn’t very busy at the beginning; hence it gives us a grace period to coordinate and sort the operations to conceive how to fine tune the overall efficiency and improve the quality of our food and service. Thankfully, lady luck first smiled upon us during the Rio Olympics in August 2016. We see new faces coming in every single day to watch games and eventually try out our food. The feeling of satisfaction overwhelmed each and everyone in the team when Lin Dan fights against Chong Wei in semi-final. More than a hundred of people rushed into Offside and cheered for every shot hit in front of the theatre. With boosted confidence, the team is determined to market Offside as “the best place to watch football” and we really look forward to the upcoming season. However, we soon realized the reality is not like how it expected even after the first game, despite with full-house audience, looking at the sales figures, we all sensed something is not right, mostly due to the European matches that usually played after dinner hours in the our time zone, also the rooted mamak culture of “sitting whole night with one drink” (sad truth for F&B). It was really challenging to keep our account positive while maintain the high standards of customer experience and food quality, the team strived hard and cracked our head to breakthrough from different aspects, be it from menu, promotions, new revenue streams (i.e. events, boardgames, food delivery) and monitor the progress thoroughly.
Surprisingly, whenever we felt that it could be the end, there will be “something” just magically happened. During the past, we have affiliated with various football fans club in Malaysia as official partner. Notable events such as fans meeting with legendary player, countless Live Viewing Party; chosen as event space by big corporations, SMEs, local organizations, student association, even the SJ state assembly office. Somehow things were often connected mystically, I once shared Offside with a friendly Grab driver, few months later he chose to organize his alumni meeting with us; eventually we received a big event enquiry a year after, and it was recommended by one of the attendees from that alumni meeting! There were always surprises throughout the journey and it really motivates everyone in the team to serve at our best at all precious opportunity.
For people who’re familiar with sports event, it’s always much happening (and more businesses) during the even number years, such as Euro and Olympic 2016, World Cup in 2018. So yeah, 2020 should be another blooming year that we are looking forward to. However, as we all know things changed when the pandemic hits and sent huge shockwaves towards the global economy. And for Offside, unavoidable, lost most of our revenue streams (students, working adults, football fans, events etc.). Despite getting more delivery orders, yet the reality is still disappointing. Once I looked out from the window, the road that was always congested and bustles, now is emptying with only few riders in green and pink shirts. Pretty helpless right?
Last but not least, the main objective of the letter is to bid our heartily farewell to everyone who cares and have been supportive, we won’t come to this day without you. Currently Offside business is up for sale, it’s definitely not easy during this time, and we had prepared to bear any losses. Our best hope is to pass the business to someone/group who is passionate in F&B, hoping this place will be continue to bring happiness and value to people. If you’re interested or would like to know more details, just drop us a message in Facebook, feel free to share this letter as well. Once again we truly appreciate and Thank You.
