Cebu-based resto to open five more stores in Manila

CEBU, Philippines - Homegrown restaurant group Cebu Golden Restaurant Inc., gears up for expansion in Metro Manila eyeing to open at least five more branches in the nation’s capital.

This was announced yesterday by Earl Kokseng, executive committee member of the Cebu Golden Restaurant group, during the opening of the company’s 31st outlet, the Golden Cowrie Filipino Kitchen.

Despite the cutthroat competition in the restaurant industry, especially in Metro Manila, Kokseng said the good business turnout of its existing five branches there, encouraged the company to add more restaurants.

"The demand is there as long as we are here to be part of the growth, and not losing our Golden Cowrie tradition [of service, value for money and high quality]," said Kokseng.

The Kokseng family is one of the prime movers of Cebu’s restaurant industry, who has been in business for the past four decades.

The 35 year-old Cebu Golden Restaurant Inc., which operates four brands — the Golden Cowrie (native restaurant), Hukad, Salinas and Golden Cowrie (Filipino Kitchen), which is the newest addition to its brand portfolio is a fusion of native Filipino and refreshed and innovative Filipino cuisine.

"As we grow we meet a lot of customers and enthusiasts, and we continue to listen and evolve our products and ambiance," Kokseng said explaining that the creation of four different brands is to adjust to the preferences of the different market segments.

The Group operates 10 restaurants in Cebu, the 21 more branches are spread in 18 cities around the Philippines including Davao, Bohol, Zamboanga, Boracay, Bacolod, and Butuan City, among others.

According to Kokseng, after the company has been able to establish its Golden Cowrie and other sister brands in Visayas and Mindanao, the lucrative Manila market is the company's expansion target.

All branches located outside Cebu are operated through franchise system, added the Group's general manager Kenneth Kokseng. (FREEMAN)