It was a grand homecoming. After almost 15 years, Mang Inasal has reached a new milestone by formally opening its 500th store in the country. And what better way to celebrate this than by opening a location in the city where the popular grilled chicken restaurant-chain was born—Iloilo City.
The grand opening of the new store located along the West Diversion Road in Mandurriao was ushered by a grand festivity befitting a Filipino royalty on June 19. The celebration was streamed live on video in several Mang Inasal locations in Metro Manila, where invited press people and bloggers joined the simultaneous feast of the classic Mang Inasal favorites.
The event kicked off with the unveiling of its 500th store marker—a design comprising of banana leaves encased in resin, beautifully arranged in pintados pattern. The inscription takes pride in Mang Inasal’s growth throughout the years.
This store, Mang Inasal’s 17th in Iloilo City, is astounding as it stands out from all other branches of the restaurant chain. It beams a distinct exterior with a fresh and contemporary appeal, without losing the brand’s unique Filipino sentimentality.
The store is obviously inspired by houses constructed during the country’s post-war era—showcasing simplicity, functionality, and commonplace aesthetics.
The interior features items that exude a homey ambiance, embracing the provincial and cozy feel that Filipinos have associated with the brand.
Colorful buntings hang on the high ceiling and tribal pintados-patterned walls evoke cheerful Iloilo festivity.
Murals that exhibit vibrant infographic and geometric and texture elements also beautify the interiors, highlighting modern Pinoy artistry.
“Mang Inasal is happy to share its milestone of reaching 500 stores with Filipinos who have been with us in our journey in the foodservice industry,” said Jojo Subido, Mang Inasal’s Strategic Business Unit Head.
Among the honorable guests during the grand celebration were Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) Chairman and Founder Tony Tan Caktiong, JFC Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Tanmantiong, JFC Country Business Group Head for the Philippines Joseph Tanbuntiong, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III, and Mang Inasal founder and now Double Dragon Properties, Corp. Chairman and CEO Edgar ‘Injap’ Sia II.
Photo from Instagram (wingco1129)
Sia was just 26 years old when he put up the first Mang Inasal store in December 2003 at the carpark area of Robinsons Mall Iloilo. Through its famous native-style chicken inasal paired with unlimited rice, the brand easily won Filipino consumers’ hearts.
Within 3 years since its birth, Mang Inasal opened around 30 branches in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. It then brought the franchise to Luzon. By 2009, the restaurant grew into a 100-store chain. In April 2016, JFC acquired full ownership of the company.
Photos from Facebook (Mang Inasal)
