Monday, September 24, 2007 Chicken Ati-Atihan: Barbeque at its best By Nelson C. Bagaforo
"WE didn't invent chicken barbeque, we perfected it."
This was an assurance from Aries Chrisopher Alvarez, franchiser and chief executive officer of Chicken Ati-Atihan, as he brought in the country's fastest growing low-cost and high viability franchise restaurant in Davao City.
Chicken Ati-Atihan, which specializes in all-time-Filipino-favorites, opened its newest outlet in the city, the 40th nationwide, on September 18 with a promise to provide Dabawenyos with food that suits their taste.
The new resto, situated at the corner of Villa Abrille and JP Laurel streets, was filled with diners during its formal opening, with schoolchildren performing on the beat of Atihan-Atihan, a feast in honor of Sto. Nino celebrated by the Aklanons in Kalibo with street dancing and merrymaking.
"With the food that we serve here, talagang mapapasayaw ka sa sarap," said Alvarez, who flew in to the city to support his local franchisee, Lito Lucas.
The resto offers a wide array of dishes in their menu -- from the top sellers chicken barbeque, crispy fried chicken, flaming sisig to equally delicious and mouth-watering appetizers, pork and beef favorites, noodles and vegetables, sandwiches and desserts.
"Our chicken barbeque is not only delicious on the outside, but also in the inside," Alvarez said. "It's marinated through a quality standard procedure and perfected its taste from the splash of its sauce that will surely turn your meal into feast."
Another must-try is the flaming sisig prepared with spices and herbs mixed with the skin and meat of pork cooked on a sizzling plate. It's tender and delicious.
For dessert, you will be delighted with Ati Buko Halo-Halo, a mix of fruits in season and served in a big coconut shell, with crushed ice and milk.
Aside from its delicious food, diners are assured they won't drain their pockets while dining in a festive atmosphere at Ati-Atihan.
"Our place is not pricey. You can afford every food we serve. In fact, for only P28, you have our specialty of Chicken Ati-Atihan with rice, served with achara," Alvarez said.
Alvarez started his restaurant business in 2003 after he joined a friend in Kalibo, Aklan to witness the world-renowned Ati-Atihan Festival -- two years after he resigned from his job as sales and marketing representative of a multinational pharmaceutical company, Abbott Laboratories Philippines.
"I want to bring the festive spirit of the festival wherever my business open doors, thus the birth of Chicken Ati-Atihan," he said in an article posted on the company website www.chickenatiatihan.com.
From small barbeque stalls he opened in Kalibo and Roxas City in Capiz, it has emerged into one of the fastest growing chain of restaurants in the country today.
"We are all over Negros provinces and other parts of the Visayas. We have outlets in as far as Laoag. We opened in Tagum City two years ago, and now were in Davao City," Alvarez said.
Another outlet, situated on Torres street, will be opened soon.
"Investors continue to show keen interest because of our low cost and high viability in investment. ROI (return of investment) is fast -- within nine months to one year," he said.
Chicken Ati-Atihan is open for franchise. For more information, you may e-mail achickenatiatihan@yahoo.com.ph or visit its website www.chickenatiatihan.com.
