The restobar Pinoy showbands built

MANILA, Philippines — If Cowboy Grill has the reputation of being a hangout spot to see competent showbands playing both classics and the latest craze, it is partly because of its origin rooted from a classic dine-in place admired for showcasing live music. 

Last May 16, the household restobar celebrated, at its Delta, Quezon Ave. branch, its 25th year, tracing back its birth that started from a tight concept highlighting live band performances, along with good food and customer service. The press for one got reminded that it pertains to the former Shakey’s restaurant known for groups playing note for note some well-known arena songs like Bohemian Rhapsody and lead-sung by talented singers in the mold of Arnel Pineda.

Company COO Jun Caasi kept firm with his mindset that “customers don’t just visit for great food; they also come for the live experience.” Small wonder that, at present, Cowboy Grill has 36 bands in its fold regularly rotating its various outlets including Mabini, Malate, Las Piñas and Quezon Ave. 

Outside in-house bands are those enjoying popularity as recording artists with certified hits to boot. Pop rock ballad band Aegis performed that same day, at the same outlet. 

December Avenue graced the Cowboy Grill Mabini stage last May 26 and Delta/Quezon Ave. on May 27. Proceeds of ticket sales went to Little Brave Hearts and Cottolengo Filipino. 

“Our (featured) bands play genres and songs people grew up with, like classic rock, new wave and R&B. Coming from a band myself, I know how they should be taken care of including their pay, backstage comfort, food and the family treatment that makes them feel we are one in delivering worthy and no-nonsense entertainment,” said Cowboy Grill entertainment manager Avie, who used to front for the band She that has regularly performed in Cowboy the past eight years. 

Her hiring is a testament to how the management sees the value of championing the Grill’s bands to keep high-quality talent and performer satisfaction intact. Isn’t that Alagang Cowboy is “making customers feel at home while having fun and enjoying live music of all genres?”

As Cowboy Grill enters its next 25, expansion plans in Northern Luzon are in the works, in addition to the setting up of kiosks for schools and hospitals to showcase food specialties like pizza, chicken, lugaw, and of course, sisig. A new logo and signature dishes were likewise presented to the media during the fun-filled event, attended by company officers and employees. 

Avie added, “Cowboy Grill has stood the test of time and remains to be the only successful bar and resto that didn’t have to overhaul itself through the changes. Our brand of fun has always been envisioned to be a place, where people can easily get along — no-frills, not too macho, but also not too shabby.” 

It is also a place, where trained, experienced and gifted cover bands come nightly, whether donning cowboy hats or not. 

(For updates and promos, check Cowboy Grill’s Restaurant’s Facebook page.)