WHEN it comes to grilled or barbecued food and classic Filipino dishes, one of the most visited in Davao City is Penong's.
The company opened its first store on December 5, 2003 along Illustre St., Davao City. In the next five years, it opened two other stores along McArthur Highway in 2005 and along Sta. Ana Avenue in 2008.
"When we started Penong's we dreamed of a simple and humble restaurant where families can bond with each other and strengthen their relationship by enjoying good food and a delightful dining experience," Ma. Theresa Regis, Penong's vice president for commissary, said during Penong's Franchise Corporation's Big Leap 2019 at the Apo View Hotel on January 25, 2018.
She said after six years of operating, the company took a risk and established the Penong's Franchise Corporation in 2009 -- opening Penong's for franchise.
In the same year, three franchises were opened -- Maitna Gallera and along Quirino Street in Davao City and Kidapawan. the Kidapawan branch is its first franchise store outside of Davao City.
In 2013, Penong's opened its first franchise store in the Visayas along Escario St., Cebu City.
By the end of 2018, the company already has 31 branches throughout Mindanao and the Visayas. The first three stores are all company-owned while the remaining 28 are all franchises.
"We never taught that Penong's would be what it is today," Regis said, adding that the company was originally established to provide for their family and children.
Henry Mahilum, Penong's vice president for operations, said the company is bullish in terms of expansion in the coutry as it is set to open 11 more stores by May this year. Only eight has been revealed by the company -- Catalunan Grande, Matina Aplaya, and Maa in Davao City, Arellano in Tagum City, Bogo in Cebu, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Dumaguete, and Pagadian.
"We hope to close 2019 with 20 stores or more," he said.
Mahilum said they have already recieved franchise inquiries from interested individuals in Bicol, Naga, Tarlac, Dagupan, Bulacan, and ParaƱaque.
However, he said should they open a store in Luzon, they want it to be company-owned.
Mahilum said they are eyeing the SM Mall of Asia but they have been advised that there are no available spaces. The mall instead recommended to them a space at the SM by the Bay.
He said the first branch in Luzon must be company-owned to ensure that there is a support for the franchises and also it allows them to pinpoint areas that they need to adjust on for their branches there.
Mahilum also said they are developing more seafood dishes to entice diners in Luzon once they open a store in Metro Manila.
From their humble beginnings in Davao City, Penong's is now set to let more Filipinos enjoy its delicious dishes.
"Penong's is ready to take the challenge to compete with the other restaurants in the country by making bolder moves and taking risks," Regis said.