In 2014, Sir Marco Robinson, a property millionaire with a keen eye for niche investments, found himself at a crossroads. Having amassed considerable wealth through strategic property ventures globally, he sought a new challenge – one born not just of financial acumen, but of passion. His ambition: to own a restaurant. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this dream soon became intertwined with a deeply personal journey, setting the stage for a venture that would defy convention, win accolades, and ultimately, spark a global legacy.

From Property Mogul to Culinary Dreamer

Sir Marco’s entrepreneurial spirit was already well-established. His property strategies, honed through extensive reading and an understanding of market cycles, had delivered substantial returns for himself and his clients. Yet, the allure of creating something tangible, something he truly loved, led him to the culinary world. He secured a huge 8,000 square foot lot in Kuala Lumpur, ready for renovation, envisioning a vibrant new dining concept.

However, this initial enthusiasm was met with an unexpected personal setback. Following a difficult relationship split, the restaurant project, initially tied to his former fiancée, became a painful reminder. For six months, Marco grappled with the emotional fallout, even attempting to divest himself of the venture. It was through the unwavering support of two close friends – an international model and a British bodybuilding champion – that he found a path forward. They challenged him to transform physically, leading to him shedding 25 kilos and achieving a six-pack at 45 or 47 years old, an experience that reignited his resolve and provided a fresh perspective.

Launching the Controversial 'Naked' Restaurant

With a renewed sense of purpose and a spare million dollars, Marco committed to the restaurant project. Operating in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, he aimed for a concept that was both distinct and welcoming. He envisioned a space offering organic food and a fresh, inclusive atmosphere where patrons could truly be themselves. The name, however, proved to be his boldest stroke.

After much deliberation, he settled on 'Naked'. While friends cautioned him about its 'haram' connotation and potential for a ban, Marco saw beyond the literal. For him, the name was a metaphor for:

• Fresh, unadulterated food
• Uncovering layers and being authentic
• A welcoming environment for self-expression and enjoyment

His conviction proved correct. The name generated immense public relations attention, leading to an astonishing turnout on its launch day in January 2014, with a thousand people queuing to experience Naked Restaurant.

Award-Winning Cuisine and a Global Buzz

Despite its controversial name, Naked Restaurant quickly established itself on the merits of its culinary offerings. Marco, who prided himself on food quality, collaborated with an exceptional chef to develop unique recipes. This dedication swiftly earned the restaurant significant recognition:

In the first year, we actually won Tatler's Best Restaurants in Malaysia in 2014 and 15, which I'm still hugely proud of to this day because it's a phenomenal achievement for a first time restaurant.

Naked Restaurant became known for its fantastic vibe and hosted unique events, including a singing competition with a 30,000 first prize, famously promoted with the tagline, “Are you willing to get naked for 30K?” While it garnered global attention, the restaurant wasn't a massive profit generator, typically achieving a 10-15% monthly profit. For Marco, however, the venture was less about profit and more about pursuing a passion and building a brand that resonated with his own identity.

From Malaysian Dining to a Billion-Dollar Tequila Legacy

The reputation of Naked Restaurant, though based solely in Malaysia, spread far and wide. This global recognition eventually led to an unexpected offshoot: Naked Tequila. A friend, Rob Fitzpatrick, who had previously worked with Marco on a Channel 4 TV show and was aware of both his philanthropic work and the restaurant, reached out. This connection proved pivotal.

The unique and memorable name of the restaurant partly inspired the creation of Naked Diablo Tequila. What began as a spin-off from a Malaysian restaurant concept has since burgeoned into one of the world's most significant tequila companies, now valued at nearly a billion dollars. This transformation highlights the potent, often unforeseen, power of branding and an enduring entrepreneurial spirit.

Navigating COVID-19 and an Enduring Entrepreneurial Mindset

After seven successful years, Naked Restaurant faced its ultimate challenge when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2019/2020. With mandated closures for months on end and limited government support in Malaysia, Marco made the difficult decision to continue paying his 35 staff members from his own pocket throughout the downtime. He battled for two arduous years, but by 2022, the impact of the pandemic proved insurmountable, forcing the regrettable closure of the restaurant.

Despite the closure, Marco remains proud of what was achieved. He reflects on the experience as 'fantastic' and asserts that had it not been for the government restrictions, the restaurant would have continued. Critically, the spirit of Naked endured, giving rise not only to Naked Diablo Tequila but also to ventures like Naked Diablo Airlines and Naked Diablo Coffee. He views this not as a loss, but as a testament to the fact that valuable experiences can spawn new, even greater, projects.

You win some, you lose some, but we didn't really lose in the end because it spawned two amazing projects. And one is now nearly worth a billion dollars, Naked Diablo Tequila.

Frequently Asked Questions About Naked Restaurant

Why was Naked Restaurant considered controversial in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, the word 'Naked' is considered 'haram' or forbidden, as it's often misinterpreted as relating to nudity. However, Sir Marco Robinson intended it as a metaphor for fresh food, authenticity, and an open, welcoming atmosphere.

What awards did Naked Restaurant receive?

Naked Restaurant quickly earned critical acclaim, winning Tatler's Best Restaurants in Malaysia in both 2014 and 2015, a significant achievement for a debut establishment.

How did Naked Restaurant influence the creation of Naked Diablo Tequila?

The unique and memorable name of Naked Restaurant garnered international attention. This recognition, and the underlying brand concept, partly inspired the launch of Naked Diablo Tequila, which has since grown into a globally recognised, near billion-dollar brand.

Did Naked Restaurant ultimately make a profit?

Initially, Naked Restaurant made a modest 10-15% profit each month. However, it ultimately incurred losses due to the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sir Marco ensured all 35 staff members were paid for two years despite the closures, demonstrating his commitment to his team.

The Undeniable Legacy

The story of Naked Restaurant is a powerful illustration of entrepreneurial courage, resilience, and the unexpected paths to success. Sir Marco Robinson’s journey, marked by personal challenges and global pandemics, underscores the importance of believing in one's vision, even when the path is unconventional. The restaurant, though closed, lives on through the colossal success of Naked Diablo Tequila and other spin-off ventures, proving that even apparent setbacks can be the fertile ground for extraordinary new beginnings. To discover more about Sir Marco Robinson’s insights and ventures, visit his official website.