Pinoy food chain to open in Singapore

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino food chain is set to open in Singapore next month at the new Marina Bay Sand’s Hotel.

Gerry Apolinario, owner of Gerry’s Grill, said the restaurant will open on Dec. 1 at the food court of the posh hotel.

“We are most happy to announce that a ‘Pinoy Original’ is going to be part of one of Asia’s most spectacular business, leisure and entertainment destinations,” says Apolinario. The Singapore branch, which is company owned, is their first in Asia and third overseas with the other two in the United States.

With its Singapore branch, Gerry’s Grill hopes to bolster its position as the market leader among players in the casual dining restaurant category.

Apolinario said it was a huge honor for the company to open in Singapore, after they found out they were chosen by a group comprised of people from the food industry. “They went here and looked at different concepts and Filipino restaurants and they chose us above the rest because they think it best represents the Filipino taste which is modern yet authentic.”

Although the restaurant will cater to an international crowd, Apolinario said that they will serve the top dishes such as sisig, crispy pata and grilled squid.  Prices, he said will range from SGD $6-$18.

As one of the countries with many Filipinos OFWs, Apolinario said that what he can guarantee to  Filipinos in Singapore is “definite authentic Filipino cuisine.”  In fact, two Filipino staff members along with local employees will man the restaurant at the hotel.

“Being the sole Filipino chain there will make Gerry’s Grill an “ambassador” of Pinoy culinary genius,” he said.

Apolinario is optimistic that with the Singapore branch, he hopes to tap the Asian market soon.  “I’m confident that Filipino cuisine as it is much accepted internationally. It’s just the matter of somebody taking the initiative and expanding and bring the Filipino cuisine outside,” he said.

Gerry’s Grill currently has 42 branches nationwide.