By Efleda P. Campos
SPECIALTY Restaurants Inc. (SRI), which operates the Burgoo and Jumbo restaurant chains, is eyeing to expand in several locations in Luzon, particularly south of Metro Manila.
Albert Alavera, SRI managing director, said, “Expansion is under way. There are franchise applicants and our company is still finalizing whether to open the company to franchises. We are also still evaluating the sites being offered to us.”
Among sites being eyed are in Cavite and Alabang.
Started in 1999, the first Burgoo American Bar and Restaurant opened in Tomas Morato Extension, Quezon City, the first and only stand-alone restaurant being operated by the group.
SRI currently operates 11 other Burgoo restaurants in Metro Manila and two south of the Metro—one in Imus, Cavite, and the other in Nuvali, Santa Rosa, Laguna. All can be found in malls.
The other five outlets operated by SRI are Gumbo restaurants, serving New Orleans food, and dishes inspired by French, Spanish, Italian and American cuisine.
Alavera said each Burgoo outlet costs between P10 million and P15 million, depending on the size and location. Alavera credits the success of Burgoo to Filipinos’ familiarity with the American way, including American food. “We serve American food the American way and in big servings, too. Our servings range from singles, to regulars, to large portions. They are really meant for sharing.”
“We regularly make additions and adjustments to our menu,” he said.
“We offer typical American dishes, with Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean influences. We have salads, pizzas, seafoods and various meat dishes. These are complemented by typical American desserts, like Brownie ala Mode or Oreo cheesecake.”
“Also, most Burgoo outlets have recently undergone renovations to keep up with the taste of the dining public.”
“The eclectic and New York-inspired designs have always been the trademark of Burgoo restaurants. At most Burgoo outlets, the colors brown, violet, green and yellow dominate, complementing the ambience,” he said.
SRI is owned by the Rodriguez family headed by Ma. Theresa Rodriguez, Burgoo’s chairman of the board. Also part of the management team are General Manager Eileen Necio, Vice Chairman Vivencio Rodriguez and Board of Directors Monette Salapantan, Maritoni Raymundo, Martin Rodriguez, Michael Rodriguez and Matthew Rodriguez.