MANILA, Philippines - Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc. (GRCI) opens new branches for three of its brands namely, Gyu-Kaku and P.F. Chang’s in Shangri-La East Wing and IHOP in Filinvest, Alabang and Araneta Center. The branch openings are part of the company’s steady and aggressive growth plan of making their casual dining brands more accessible to diners in different parts of the metro. These branches also add to the company’s reach of 23 branches today.
“Our key strategic partners in terms of location have really been the secret sauce, so to speak, to our success. The mindful growth that we have undertaken as far as choosing the right places to where to open our brands is one of the foundations why we enjoy the continued patronage of our diners as they know that we are exactly where they can easily visit us for their favorite dishes,” says GRCI president and CEO Archie Rodriguez.
Choosing Shangri-La East Wing
“Shangri-La East Wing has proven to be a great destination not just for shopping but for dining as well. As the first mall-based location for both Gyu-Kaku and P.F. Chang’s, we could not have chosen a better one as the market and design sensibility of this mall fits our brands perfectly.”
As with any P.F. Chang’s branch worldwide, diners will be welcomed by a 12-foot terracotta horse and three hand-painted murals depicting 17th century China. Inside, diners are visually treated to modern Asian architecture of wood planks and stone slates. True blue P.F. Chang’s diners will also get to enjoy their favorite dishes such as the Ahi Cucumber Salad, Grilled Angus Flank Steak, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and Shrimp with Candied Walnuts all prepared fresh straight from the wok with premium ingredients following its famous bao shang (breath of the wok) culinary principle.
A few steps away from P.F. Chang’s is Gyu-Kaku, the number one yakiniku restaurant in the world. With a concept of guests being their own chefs, the Shangri-La branch also has the famous roasters that promise a smokeless grilling experience with families and friends, as well as professionals who work around the area. The best cuts and marbling of beef are available for all to master the grill as well as classic and contemporary Japanese dishes like Sukiyaki Don (tender succulent beef over steaming Japanese rice), Ishiyaki Bibimbap (served in a hot stone bowl) and the deliciously spicy Tantan Ramen.
Six iHOPs in less than two years
IHOP has proven to be a formidable brand with its back-to-back openings of its fifth and sixth branches two weeks apart in Filinvest, Alabang and in Araneta Center in QC, respectively. With these new branches, the brand has managed to cover both key areas that solidified their presence in the south and north of the metro. Its Filinvest branch opening was graced by Daniel del Olmo, IHOP International president, together with the other key leaders of DineEquity, the company behind IHOP.
“Spread happiness is more than just a mantra for us — it is our promise to our guests who have embraced the brand and have made it a part of their daily dining lifestyle —whether it’s early in the morning for breakfast or late at night to satisfy their cravings. And we do so by opening more branches so that they can enjoy more of IHOP wherever they work, live, or play. This branch here at Filinvest City is the perfect way for us to bring the brand and the IHOP experience in the south,” adds Rodriguez. “On the other hand, we are happy to be part of the continuing growth of Araneta Center as it further develops into a one-stop shop lifestyle and residential hub, which can offer great entertainment — concerts and sports events — that happen at the Coliseum to its soon-to-be fully operational multi-building condominium development. And, of course, no other location can boast of being accessible both for private and public transportation — and that’s what makes it a prime dining destination for our guests.”
IHOP also continues to innovate and push the envelope with its product offerings through regular limited-time offers, going beyond its breakfast standards. This August, it is slated to roll out its line of delicious pastas and crepes oozing with sweet crème cheese topped with different fruits and whipped cream.
In September, a new IHOP branch will open at Ayala Fairview Terraces.