Zubuchon to open express outlets to expand in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Eyeing to open express outlets as one of its expansion strategies, Zubuchon continues to commit itself in promoting and utilizing local products as one of the major players in the food business industry.

Joel Binamira, president of Zubu Foods Inc. and owner of Zubuchon, said that as part of its experimental strategies, the company believes that setting up express outlets will take shorter time for easier expansion with lesser investment.

Last Monday, Zubuchon opened its 4th retail outlet with a capacity of 120 seats located at Escario Central, Escario Street, Cebu City.

He further revealed that they are planning to open another outlet beside the University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus by October this year.

He clarified that it will be the first fast food and express restaurant of Zubuchon targeting to be more economical for its customers.

“In the food business, a lot of restaurants are almost fast food. Zubu wants to do it as different as possible. It will be a smaller outlet with fewer choices on the menu but still made in the old-fashioned way. It will have better prices, faster service, and cheaper type. Not so much service but the food is the same Zubuchon has been known,” he told the reporters.

He cited that the 5th branch will only measure 60 square meters with about P1 million as an initial capital.

Although the Cebu-based company has received about 40 requests for franchise within and outside the country, he also admitted that Zubuchon is not yet open for such venture in expanding its business.

“We will continue to open stores if we feel the demand is there and ensure the good quality. Zubuchon will grow and do it well. Although we have a lot of clients in Manila and others, we will focus on local growth for now,” Binamira said, adding that the One Mango branch will also be converted to an express outlet.

Presently, Zubuchon also maintains another three branches at the Banilad Town Center, at the departure lounge of Mactan Cebu International Airport and at One Mango in General Maxilom Ave.

Despite the company’s plans of expansion, he noted that the company will still continue to stick to organic backyard hog-raising and use local ingredients for the business.

He even sought help from the Department of Trade and Industry for local suppliers of vinegar, condiments, kamias, milk and other local products.

Aside from local buyers, he said that Zubuchon has received positive market reception from foreign tourists such as Europeans and Koreans and will soon come up with a Korean version of its menu.

Apart from its bestselling roast pig or lechon, Zubuchon is also known for its local dishes such as sinigang, budbod kabog, biko, chicharon, deep-fried pork belly, seafood salad, mongo, kangkong, kamias shake and santol juice.

He said that with the healthy competition, prices of lechon in Cebu at P490 per kilo is lower than Manila at P750 to P800.

“We don’t make much money in lechon but never mind, it’s our tradition. If I move in Manila, I’ll make more money since lechons there are little more expensive, about 10% higher.         When people come to Cebu, I want them to eat lechon. It doesn’t matter where they eat it but as long as it is lechon. People crave for lechon but once they are here, they eat almost everything,” he stated.

Binamira noted that the company did not start to make money but was established with its aim to feature local products and employ people while ensuring employees are paid well, treated properly and given with the necessary benefits and security.

At present, Zubuchon has hired 120 employees for its four retail outlets.

The company will soon introduce a sandwich, inspired with a foreign concept which is the Porchetta bread but executed locally with its famous chopped lechon inside.