BRCA April Newsletter

April 2025

A warm BRCA welcome to all reading these words!

We have another informative newsletter chock-o-block full of information that includes several ideas on how to promote your business(es) whilst building customer loyalty, there is real value for members to be found within these pages

In keeping with the boards plan to hold our luncheons in as many different locations as possible, Wednesday the 9 th of April saw the BRCA travel to the not so sleepy Sanur. Icon Mall has certainly made its mark on this beachside town. Sanur beach, famous for its unobstructed sunrise view as well as the longest bike and jogging beach-track in the island now has another feather in its cap. Icon Mall has the ocean directly at its front, and perched on the 2nd floor overlooking this stunning setting is Blossom Steakhouse. This seaside restaurant is an ideal place to enjoy great food and wines whilst soaking up this very special beach vibe.

For those of you in attendance, take a moment to recap the events of the day, for those of you that couldn’t make it, there was a lot to take away from this gathering and we are happy to share the details with you here.

THE VENUE

A word from Blossom Steakhouse:

The Premier Steakhouse & Seafood Restaurant

At Blossom, we’re more than just an ocean view restaurant – we’re a destination for those who love the ocean and everything it has to offer, from surf to table. Our steak and seafood selections cater to all preferences, ensuring a memorable meal for meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike. With dishes that feature locally sourced seafood and premium meats, our menu truly captures the
essence of Bali’s vibrant culinary culture.

https://www.blossomsteakhouse.com/

THE LUNCHEON

After some cooling drinks our April lunch was launched with a warm welcome from Anthony Syrowatka, Blossoms proprietor, and one of the BRCA founders. All in attendance were keen to experience Sanur’s newest elevated dining experience.

We were wowed by the Chef Brenton Banner’s take on classic dishes and surprised by a very generous addition to the menu – an extremely delicious Tokusen Wagyu Ribeye (the thoughtful touch of keeping the product local was noticed and appreciated). New Zealand’s most famous dessert was also a hit, not too sweet & very delicious were the murmurs between spoonful’s. The polished, professional floor team ensured no guest was left wanting. We departed the lunch with fond memories – thanks to the Blossom Team for this excellent experience.

Also memorable were the days speakers. As with March’s BRCA luncheon, the speakers were interesting, inspiring and passionate about their chosen fields. A lot was learned including how to generate more business in today’s continuously changing world; and a reminder that sustainability doesn’t have to be a dirty word, there are some truly amazing quality products being manufactured in Indonesia that can not only take some pressure of our environment but can also add value to your business.

OUR SPEAKERS

Andrew Stedman

The first Speaker of the day was the energetic Andrew Stedman, COO at Brandpay. The topic – “Turning Everyday Customers Into Brand Advocates: The Power of Reward-Driven Social Engagement”.

We all wonder if our investment into social media is returning sales, for many it’s a huge venture and we do feel as though we are “rolling dice” daily. We also know that the most effective form of social media does not come from the pretty pictures we post, but from our guests and their posts as they are the most trusted. No secrets so far, I hear you say, well, what if there was a way to have your guests drive your social media for you?

To summarise an in-depth talk and discussion – Brandpay is a new platform that rewards customers with spend-back credit for posting about venues like ours on Instagram. It’s simple: customers mention your restaurant in their original and genuine content, every like they get turns into cash credit, and that credit can be used back at your venue. It’s a powerful way to turn your community into a marketing engine – and you only pay when it drives real engagement and visits. Brandpay is already live with some great Bali venues and seeing strong traction.

For those of you interested to learn more, this link will take you to a short deck so you can get a feel for how it all works: Brandpay – for growing businesses

Syukriyatun Niamah – Niam

The second speaker was Niam, she is the founder and CEO of Robries, and a visionary that has been able to take our plastic waste and transform it into high-value sustainable materials. The topic for discussion – Sustainable Tips & Bites – Embracing Recycled Plastics For Greener Dining.

Niam came all the way from Surabaya to share her story with us. Niam spoke with passion and sincerity, but also with and anguish and dismay. Her motivation is the sea of plastic waste that we all see, and that most ignore. Having this pollution suffocate her beautiful Indonesia is something she is determined to stop.

Robries is a leading sustainable brand based in Indonesia that focuses on giving second lives to recycled plastic waste. They have recycled 60+ tons of plastic and upcycled 200+ million bottle caps transforming them into 10,000+ high value products for more responsible living. With 600+ clients nationwide and 60+ internationally, Robries efforts have been recognised and gained awards not just here in Indonesia but around the globe.

We must admire someone that is not happy with the status quo and has the vison and determination to find a solution, and then bring it to life, more than that though, people like Niam deserve our attention and our support.

We could say the solution to plastic waste is to simply stop producing single use plastics, and this would be true, but it isn’t realistic, not yet. Realistically we need a sustainable way to ensure these plastics are not polluting and poisoning our communities and the world at large.

To learn more follow these links: Robries Short Profile and Robries General Catalogue

BRCA PARTNERS & SPONSORS

A very special thank you goes out to our partners & sponsors, your generosity goes beyond our lunches, and without your commitment and support there would be no BRCA. You have our gratitude as always, we as hospitality professionals respect and admire the gold standard of hospitality you show towards the BRCA and to Bali’s restaurant community in general.

THANK YOU from the entire BRCA board for understanding the value of community.

Thats a wrap for another month!

This BRCA April luncheon was another wonderful gathering, members, guests and speakers all enjoyed not only the magnificent venue, but the conversation and each other’s company.

From all of us here at the BRCA board HQ, thank you to all who contributed to making our April luncheon so enjoyable.

A GENTLE REMINDER – the BRCA understands how busy you all are as we are busy too, and so, we know how hard it is to get away some days, even if only for a couple of hours. We want you to know we truly value your membership and are working hard to give you the most bang for your buck. Our speakers of late have been truly inspirational and are coming from far and wide to tell their stories. Whilst all this is great, sadly we feel some of you are really missing out. We kindly request, if you are not able to attend a lunch, please send someone from your team in your place, it is important that the knowledge being shared is being heard by as many as possible. It is also important for the BRCA that there is a lively atmosphere, and for that we need you!

Save The Date!

This year the BRCA is collaborating with the Bali Meat Park 2025 Festival & NOW! Bali in what is set to be a memorable weekend for all in attendance. The festival will be held on Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th of July and runs from 3-11pm each day. TICKETS are on sale now at early bird prices, so get them while you can! The BRCA has eleven members participating. There are fifty tents/ stall holders in total. The BRCA members that you should look out for at the event are:

Entertainment

The Lay Of The Land

For direct inquiries Mauro Bellodi, the founder of Bali Meat Park can be contacted here: +62 821-4496-0335

We look forward to seeing everyone at this event for some great food, fantastic company and our monthly dose of inspiration.

And don’t forget to bring you industry, mates – let’s eat, listen, learn and move forward together, creating a world-class culinary destination.

*More information regarding this luncheon will follow.

It is much enthusiasm that we introduce the newest addition to the BRCA team. Naomi Tribuana Festilani joins us full time in the roll of BUSINESS & COMMUNITY MANAGER.

Naomi has a mammoth task ahead but has hit the ground running and is focused on adding value to memberships, actively building the membership base, and growing the BRCA brand throughout Bali & Indonesia. She will also be looking for other associations to partner/ collaborate/ merge with, growing the number of attendees at the monthly lunches, building government relations, and building media connections (which we know is something all members want and need).

A great deal of contemplation and consideration was given in creating this esteemed position, and we have no doubt the next chapter of the BRCA is going to be an exciting one.

The board would like to take this opportunity to officially welcome Naomi to the Bali Restaurant & Café Association. Welcome Naomi, we are all looking forward to getting to know you and having you help grow this vital Association.

1. 4 FREE BRCA Luncheons.
2. further FREE BRCA luncheons when bringing 1 new member.
3. 40% off membership fee for 2nd and subsequent outlets.
4. 15% discount on selected BRCA members’ restaurants.
5. Access to BRCA’s online portal with our directory of partners and suppliers and any discount or special offers available.
6. Listing on BRCA Website.
7. Minimum 3 posts on social media & multiple Instagram stories.
8. Monthly networking opportunity through BRCA luncheons.
9. Networking with members and partners through our WhatsApp group.

“The ingredients & cuisines of Bali and Indonesia deserve worldwide recognition; Indonesia should be on every foodie’s bucket list.” If these sentiments ring true with you, then we’d love to have you join our board! Expressions of interest can be shared with any of the below BRCA team.

Founders
Dean Keddell – Ginger Moon Restaurants & Author of Our Bali Your Bali – Bali Kita Bali Kamu
Chris Salans – Mozaic
Anthony Syrowatka – Viceroy Hotel, Aperitif, Blossom + others & Gaia Digital Marketing Agency

Board
Kertawidyawati (Widya) – BRCA President
Weni Ariasty – Manager NOW! Bali & the BRCA treasurer
Ana Dewi – Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali – HACCP
Maria Efflin – Administrator at the BRCA
Naomi Tribuana Festilani – BRCA Business & Community Manager
Jeroen Van Overbeek – Social Impakt, Bali Coop & BRCA Vice President
Min Siah – Wheatfields Bakery, Starter Lab – Advisor
Heru Dwi Soesilo – 2080 Burger & an events, branding & marketing guru
Cynthia Louise Tait – Jhoi Local Eats & championing wellness in the workplace for the BRCA

Terima kasih telah membaca dan kami menantikan anda semua di makan siang BRCA bulan April.

With culinary regards

Dean Keddell on behalf of the
BRCA Founders & Board

For more information and details on how to join please go to:
Email: secretary@balirca.co.id or info@balirca.com
Website: https://www.balirca.id/