For a venue that is already trading, short-term secured expansion capital can fund a new site, a fit-out or an upgrade — secured against the kitchen and venue equipment, the company’s shares and any property the business or its owners hold — without selling equity. A first restaurant with no track record usually starts on the owners’ own money. Ascendure backs established restaurant, café, bar and beach-club operators in Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo and other Indonesian hotspots, typically from about USD 500,000. Information only.
Why do capital providers prefer proven venues?
Because new restaurants are risky everywhere. A widely cited Ohio State University study of restaurants in one US city found about 59% closed within three years of opening — far fewer than the “90% in year one” myth, but still most of them. A venue with a year or more of real trading has already shown it can survive, and that is what makes it possible to back. Information only.
What can the capital pay for?
- A second or bigger site — lease, fit-out, kitchen and bar equipment, furniture.
- An upgrade of an existing venue — a new kitchen, a terrace, a pool or a rooftop.
- Up-front rent — Bali commercial leases are commonly paid several years in advance.
- Pre-opening costs — hiring and training staff, marketing, the first months of running costs.
For a beach club or a venue on land the business owns, the land and buildings can carry most of the security. See the second-location problem.
What security does a restaurant have if it leases its premises?
Fiduciary security (fidusia) over equipment, furniture, stock and receivables; a pledge over the operating company’s shares; and, where available, a registered mortgage (Hak Tanggungan) over land the business or its owners hold. See what security an operating business can offer. Not legal advice.
Can a foreign-owned company open a café or restaurant in Bali in 2026?
Nationally, restaurants (KBLI 56101) are open to 100% foreign ownership through a PT PMA, subject to the minimum investment rules. In Bali, since May 2026 the licensing system has blocked new PT PMA registrations in 18 business codes; cafés (KBLI 56303) are reported among them, and reports differ on whether restaurants are included. Existing licensed businesses continue, and the block is reported to apply to Bali only. For a foreign-owned café, a new Bali site needs a location amendment that is reportedly being refused for the blocked codes, so check before signing a lease. Alcohol needs its own permits. Check the current position with counsel. See what foreigners can still open in Bali. Not legal advice.
What does Ascendure look for?
- A year or more of trading figures for the existing venue — covers, average spend, food and drink costs, wages, rent.
- A lease on the new site that runs well beyond the facility’s term.
- A fit-out budget backed by contractor quotes.
- The right business codes and licences for what the venue really does — see KBLI codes explained.
No equity is taken — you keep control. See how Ascendure works.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information about the Indonesian market, not legal, tax or financial advice. Take advice from an Indonesian notary and legal counsel on any specific structure.
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