Prime Pacific expands Japanese resto chain

MANILA, Philippines - Restaurant operator Prime Pacific Grill Inc. (PPGI) is expanding its portfolio with the opening of two new Japanese food concepts, Ramen Sora and Yakitori Binchotan.

In a statement, PPGl said the two new restaurants  will be operated through its partnership with the owner-operators of Ramen Sora and Tokotaro in Japan and the US.

Ramen Sora was established in 2003 in Sapporo, considered the culinary capital of Japan.

The first Ramen Sora outlet will be located along Waterfront Road in Subic and will open next week.

After Subic, PPGI is planning to put up Ramen Sora outlets in Cebu, Makati, Alabang and Quezon City.

 “The Philippines is only the second branch of Ramen Sora overseas and our first partnership with a foreign company. We are confident that PPGI can deliver the same kind of quality dishes which our loyal customers in Japan and the US enjoy,” Ramen Sora owner-operator Yoshi Ishise said.

The maiden branch of Yakitori, meanwhile, will be located in A.S. Fortuna in Cebu and start operations in January.

The second branch which will be located in Balibago, Pampanga is slated to open in April.

Yakitori Binchotan uses a special kind of charcoal called Bincho-Ta to prepare yakitori or skewered food.

 “That kind of charcoal is only found in Japan. It’s white charcoal which produces high heat and does not emit smoke, so it allows the full flavor of the food to come out,” PPGI president and chief executive officer Gerry Apolinario said.

The two new brand concepts are being brought here to provide Filipino consumers more choices.

 “There is so much out there which Filipinos need to enjoy and experience. We are bringing the best of ramen and the best of yakitori. Everything will be authentic,” Apolinario said.

Founded in 1997, PPGI operates other restaurants such as Gerry’s Grill, which serves Filipino cuisine, and Sweet Chili which has Thai food.