Tony Lim, the entrepreneur behind popular Malaysian restaurant brands BananaBro and Boat Noodle, has passed away at the age of 47.
The news was shared by both restaurant chains through their social media accounts, although neither announcement revealed the cause of his death.
Lim’s vision of bringing banana leaf rice to a wider audience was what inspired him to establish BananaBro. In a tribute posted on Instagram, the restaurant said he had dedicated himself not only to building the brand but also to the people who were part of its journey.
“Though he is no longer with us, his dream lives on in every banana leaf we serve and every life he has touched,” the post read.
Remembered as a founder who believed in his people
Boat Noodle also paid tribute to Lim, describing him as a dreamer and mentor who built the brand while placing genuine trust in his employees. The restaurant said his encouragement to keep going, believe in themselves and grow together was something he practised throughout his journey.
“Your passion inspired us, your generosity touched us and your legacy will live on,” the brand said in its tribute.
Lim leaves behind two established restaurant brands with a significant presence across Malaysia. Boat Noodle currently has 49 outlets, while BananaBro operates more than 40 branches nationwide.
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