THE family behind The Port restaurant is expanding its food business to Mactan Island next year.

Edward Hayco, founder of The Port, announced over the weekend that they are planning to develop a 3,000-square-meter property in Mactan into a mixed-use development that will house the different food businesses of the family and an events hall.

“We are eyeing to put up a food park, bring The Port restaurant there and an events pavilion. We will start this (project) next year,” said Hayco, during The Port’s 20th anniversary last Saturday.

He hinted this new project will offer a different culinary and family-bonding experience because of its beachfront view.

“We are near Big Foot and that stretch there would have busy retail developments,” he said.

The Haycos own The Port Restaurant in Waterfront Lahug, Beverly View Events Pavilion, and Grid Pad and Creative Campus in Talamban. They also run the container food- themed parks Tambayan sa Consolacion and Bulacao, which is a sister company of The Furniture City.

Hayco also disclosed that they have expanded Beverly View Events Pavilion by adding two to three event halls, which will be completed before the year ends.

“It will be nestled in one of the highest points of Beverly Hills,” he said.

Asked what the family’s secret is to reach 20 years in food business, the founder said they practiced the value of “selling from the heart.” According to Hayco, when one is in business, it is tempting to say anything just to make a sale. But if one does it and chases money, they may end up losing their soul.

“And I don’t want that. If you want to make a sale, sell something from the heart. Be sincere and mean it because people would feel it,” said Hayco, adding that this has been the family’s guiding light, the reason they have reached this far amid challenging times. (KOC)