Restaurant managers' perspectives on <i>halal</i> certification

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes of restaurant managers toward halal certification. Design/methodology/approach In total, 33 interview sessions were conducted among restaurant managers in halal certified, halal claimant and non‐ halal restaurants and the data were coordinated into common themes. Findings Restaurant managers feel that halal certification is very prevalent in the hospitality industry, as it promotes the importance of restaurant managers having knowledge of Muslims' dietary restrictions, sensitivity and religious practices; halal certification signifies that it has some attributes that make it unique and at the same time conforming to the Islamic dietary rules. Originality/value This study is very significant as this is the first paper to examine attitudes of restaurant managers in relation to halal certification in Malaysia. It is gathered that very few researches were performed in the hospitality industry pertaining to halal certification, although the demand for halal foods is growing.