Over the years, the local food scene has seen numerous international and local restaurant chains rise to popularity, only to fade away as market dynamics shifted and consumer preferences evolved. While some brands have withstood the test of time, others have not been as fortunate. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through 9 once-popular but now extinct brands in Malaysia.
1. Shakey’s Pizza
Before the major pizza players like Pizza Hut and Domino’s took over the Malaysian market, Shakey’s Pizza was the go-to place for pizza lovers in the 1980s and 1990s. Launched in 1978, Shakey’s quickly established itself as a popular choice, with outlets popping up across the Klang Valley. The brand was particularly known for its unique potato mojos—a crispy, seasoned potato side dish that became a fan favorite.
Shakey’s early entry into the market gave it a strong foothold, and for a while, it seemed like the brand was unstoppable. However, as new competitors entered the scene and consumer tastes began to shift, Shakey’s struggled to maintain its dominance. Despite its initial success, the brand gradually lost its market share, and by 2009, the last Shakey’s outlet in Malaysia had closed its doors, making it one of the extinct brands in the local food scene.
2. White Castle
White Castle is a name that many Malaysians might not even recognize today, but this American fast-food chain has a rich history as the world’s oldest hamburger brand. Known for its iconic sliders—small, square-shaped burgers that were designed to be eaten in large quantities—White Castle had a brief stint in Malaysia in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The brand opened a few outlets in key locations, including Jalan Chow Kit in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. Despite the novelty of its mini burgers, White Castle struggled to attract a large customer base. In a market where bigger, more filling burgers were the norm, White Castle’s sliders may have seemed too small for local appetites. Eventually, the brand couldn’t sustain its operations and became an extinct brand in Malaysia, with all its outlets closing down.
3. Grandy’s
Grandy’s was once a familiar sight in the Klang Valley, offering Southern American cuisine that was both hearty and flavorful. The brand prided itself on serving Louisiana-style dishes, including boneless fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and boiled corn—comfort food that appealed to a wide range of customers. Grandy’s was also known for its inviting, family-friendly atmosphere, making it a popular choice for casual dining.
However, as competition in the fast-food industry intensified, Grandy’s found it increasingly difficult to differentiate itself from other chains. Newer, trendier brands began to capture the attention of diners, and Grandy’s slowly faded from the spotlight. Despite its loyal customer base, the brand couldn’t keep up with changing consumer preferences, and by the early 2000s, Grandy’s had joined the list of extinct brands in Malaysia.
4. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is a name that resonates with many Malaysians, particularly those who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s. Known for its signature square burger patties, baked potatoes, and chili cups, Wendy’s offered a unique alternative to the more common round burgers of its competitors. The brand first entered the Malaysian market in the 1980s and quickly gained a following, especially among younger diners.
For a time, Wendy’s seemed poised to become a major player in the local fast-food scene. However, despite its popularity, the brand faced challenges in maintaining its presence. High operating costs, coupled with intense competition from other fast-food giants, led to the gradual closure of Wendy’s outlets across the country. In 2019, Wendy’s officially became an extinct brand in Malaysia, with its last remaining outlets closing down.
5. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Inspired by the 1994 classic film Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. brought a taste of American seafood with a Cajun twist to Malaysia. The brand was known for its playful theme, which incorporated elements from the movie, and its menu, which featured a wide range of shrimp dishes, seafood platters, and Southern-inspired sides.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. had three outlets in the Klang Valley: one at The Curve, another at Citta Mall, and a third at Sunway Pyramid. The restaurants were popular for their lively atmosphere and friendly service, making them a hit with families and groups of friends. However, despite its initial success, Bubba Gump couldn’t sustain its operations in the long term. By March 2018, the outlets at The Curve and Citta Mall had closed, with the Sunway Pyramid location following suit in September of that year. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is now an extinct brand in Malaysia, leaving behind fond memories for those who dined there.
6. Ben & Jerry’s
When Ben & Jerry’s opened its first Malaysian outlet in Sunway Pyramid in 2019, it was met with much excitement. The iconic American ice cream brand is known for its quirky flavors, such as Cherry Garcia, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Chunky Monkey, as well as its commitment to social causes. To celebrate the grand opening, Ben & Jerry’s gave away 10,000 scoops of ice cream for free, drawing large crowds and creating a buzz among dessert lovers.
However, the brand’s entry into the Malaysian market was ill-timed. Just a few months after its grand opening, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, leading to lockdowns and restrictions that severely impacted the food and beverage industry. With foot traffic in malls drastically reduced and consumer spending down, Ben & Jerry’s struggled to keep its outlet afloat. By the end of 2020, the Sunway Pyramid outlet had closed, and Ben & Jerry’s also discontinued selling its pints in local supermarkets. The brand, once full of promise, became an extinct brand in Malaysia almost as quickly as it had arrived.
7. Papa John’s
Papa John’s, the American pizza chain famous for its “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza” slogan, made its entry into Malaysia in the early 2010s under the Berjaya Group. The brand positioned itself as a premium pizza option, offering a variety of specialty pizzas, sides, and desserts. For a while, Papa John’s was a popular choice for those looking for a more upscale pizza experience.
However, the brand faced stiff competition from established players like Pizza Hut and Domino’s, which had already captured a significant share of the market. Despite its strong brand identity and quality ingredients, Papa John’s struggled to maintain its customer base in Malaysia. Gradually, the outlets began to close, and by the mid-2010s, Papa John’s had become an extinct brand in the country.
8. Hartz Chicken Buffet
Hartz Chicken Buffet was a unique offering in Malaysia’s fast-food landscape, providing an all-you-can-eat buffet that featured chicken prepared in a variety of ways—grilled, roasted, and fried. The concept was a hit with customers who appreciated the value for money, and the brand quickly expanded, opening multiple outlets across the Klang Valley.
In addition to chicken, Hartz Chicken Buffet offered a selection of sides, including mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and pies, as well as desserts like ice cream and cakes. For many, it was the go-to place for a hearty meal that didn’t break the bank. However, over time, the brand struggled to keep up with rising costs and changing consumer preferences. By the late 2000s, most of its outlets had closed, leaving only one remaining location in Kuching, Sarawak. While it’s not entirely gone, Hartz Chicken Buffet is now largely an extinct brand in Malaysia, with only a single outlet keeping the name alive.
9. Long John Silver’s
Long John Silver’s, known for its signature batter-dipped fish and seafood dishes, made its debut in Malaysia at the turn of the 21st century. The brand offered a menu that was distinct from other fast-food chains, featuring items like shrimp, chicken, seafood salad, and clam chowder—dishes that were not commonly found in Malaysian fast-food outlets.
Despite its unique offerings, Long John Silver’s struggled to attract a large enough customer base to sustain its operations. The brand faced tough competition from other seafood-focused chains like Manhattan Fish Market and Fish & Co., which offered a more comprehensive dining experience. Over time, Long John Silver’s outlets began to close, and by the mid-2000s, the brand had become an extinct brand in Malaysia.
These extinct brands may no longer be part of Malaysia’s culinary landscape, but they left a lasting impact on those who enjoyed their offerings. Each of these extinct brands contributed to the rich tapestry of Malaysia’s dining history, whether through their unique menus, memorable dining experiences, or simply the joy they brought to their customers. Although they couldn’t withstand the challenges of the market, they remain fondly remembered by many. Did any of these extinct brands hold a special place in your heart?
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Also read: 5 Malaysian Favourite Brands You Thought Were Local but Aren’t
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