SHAKEY’S Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. plans to open 20 more new stores this year, bringing its projected total local network to 248 branches. Shakey’s president and chief executive officer Vicente Gregorio said they continue to see consumer spending fueling the Philippine economy, which is still one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets. Gregorio said they are focused on expanding outside Metro Manila where they see great potential in terms of demand for the premium yet affordable dining experience. They also tapped more local partners this year to run their provincial operations and to ensure that they have on-the-ground accountability even in farther-flung areas. Majority of Shakey’s new stores last year, approximately 80 percent, were opened outside the National Capital Region in line with the company’s strategy to pursue growth outside first-tier cities. Seventy-five percent of the newly opened stores were also franchised. (PR)