The Brute Cebuanos have learned to love

CEBU, Philippines - I’d be one of those to claim as a solid fan of Orange Brutus.

The firm, which can claim to be the first Cebuano fast food outlet, has already grown to reach as far as Argao in the south and Mandaue City in the north. In fact, its 20th branch opened last April 27 at the Parkmall (North Reclamation Area across the Cebu International Convention Center). The 21st is soon to welcome customers at Plaza Margarita in Lipata, Minglanilla.

From its simple, bright, attractive and clean store that first opened in what then was the newest department store, Fairmart (now 138 in Colon), it has sustained momentum to vend reasonably priced but good food to its customers.

Orange Brutus-Fuente Branch once served as our hang-out area before and after work at what was then Cebu’s pioneer in the data capture industry – Innovative Data Entry Phils. or Innodata. It was there that my officemates and I would munch on the best-selling sizzling burger steak and chicken brutus over what would start as work-related exchanges and would later on touch on more personal concerns.

It was on the same branch where I had to break off from a former flame over fresh fruit shakes that helped cool down a somewhat messy turnout of events – tearing apart the attachment but kindling the friendship. And, amazingly, it was on the same branch where I dated out a new beau months after recuperation. If only Orange Brutus’ walls could record the verbal tussles – they’re as hot as the burgers charbroiled to ensure that the meat products are low in bad cholesterol. And if only Orange Brutus’ ceilings have minds of their own, they would retell how the freshest ingredients that come in thirst-quenching fruit shakes and in entrées reflect renewal in the refreshed life of this loyal customer.

When Orange Brutus was conceptualized in 1980 in a desire to make a statement in the food industry of Cebu, it was the primary task of two young entrepreneurs to revolutionize the food retail industry in the Visayas. “This was a very bold step since hamburger was a relatively new food offered to the Filipino people at that time,” Ms. Katrina Kay Kokseng-Misa, executive assistant of Orange Brutus, said during the Parkmall outlet’s opening and inauguration.

Orange Brutus is known for its healthy and nutritious food. “We never pre-cook,” Misa stressed. “The vegetables and fruits are sliced the moment you need them. That’s why you have to wait to allow for the preparation. Only the freshest fruits go into the thirst-quenching fruit shakes and premium quality vegetables for its entrée and garnishing.”

Only the best for moments you either need to be at peace with yourself, or chill with company.

Certainly, the Brute has not only offered good food. It has allowed customers to be part and parcel of that bold step that’s distinctively Cebuano. It continues to serve as a place where important choices in life are shaped and friendships forged. Undoubtedly, every outlet will always be a place to remember!