NOTHING beats Baguio’s Sizzling Plate.
For the past 40 years, Sizzling Plate has tickled palates with locally sourced and imported steaks, established in 1978 by couple Mike and Edna Anton, the restaurant has become a favorite spot for tourists and Baguio residents who want quality yet affordable steaks.
Carlos, who is now at the helm of operation said Sizzling Plate originally started in Pasay way back in 1975; established by his grandmother Africa Reynoso and three years later, saw the put up of its first Baguio branch managed by his parents.
Since then, the business has grown and become one of Baguio’s most recognizable brand.
Carlos said the Sizzling Plate has witnessed the ups and downs of the city, including the devastating 1990 killer quake.
“In the 80’s, economy was not that stable and there were less people. We have to wait for the peak season such as holidays in order for our business to pick up,” said Anton, who aside from taking care of their business is also a champion race car driver.
After the killer quake, Baguio slowly recovered and saw growth giving businesses a chance to thrive in the highland town.
Carlos said business picked up since the quake but when a huge mall entered the city, business along Session Road, including Sizzling, once again slowed down as competition became stiff with the entry of more fast food chains.
But Sizzling Plate withstood it all, and still enjoyed a solid following, not backing down from competition and maintaining its lead as a fave especially meat lovers, not only from the highlands but also tourists.
“We were able to cope up because for one, we have maintained our prices without sacrificing the quality of our serving,” Anton added saying this were some of the few teachings of his parents in managing their business.
Through the years, Sizzling has maintained close to 60 employees with some staying on for the last 35 years, attributing loyalty of staff by treating them part of the family.
Carlos also cites suppliers as part of their success “Our local meat suppliers for instance are already the second generation.”
Today, Sizzling Plate has four branches in the city, the latest of which at Leonard Wood road which opened in 2017, and expansion is still in the minds of Mike and Edna, according to Carlos, who at their 70s are still eyeing to opening new branches in the city.