AFTER HIATUS, DING HOW IS BACK IN BUSINESS
Kokseng family spent roughly P10 millon to set-up the new restaurant at Robinsons Galleria. Ding How is first to introduce “steamed fried rice” concept to Cebuanos back in 1969.
Ding How has a very strong emotional connection to Cebu. CHRISTOPHER KOKSENG
Chinese dimsum house Ding How is back in business after an over a decade hiatus.
Run and managed by Harbour City Dimsum House Company of the Kokseng family, the Chinese restaurant has reopened one in a 160-square meter space at the ground level of Robinsons Galleria Cebu this month.
“Ding How has a very strong emotional connection to Cebu, having introduced the cuisine way back 1969,” said Steven Kokseng on Wednesday during the restaurant’s media preview, and accompanied by the company’s business development head Christopher Kokseng.
Its maiden branch was located at Colon Street in downtown Cebu City, and then relocated to Mango Avenue. Ding How was the first to introduce the “steamed fried rice” to Cebuanos.
It was in 2004, however, when the management decided to close it down, having seen a “changing dining landscape” characterized by locals’ preference for fastfood, recalled Steven.
While Ding How took a break in business, the Kokseng’s other dimsum brands have gained traction and popularity among locals to include Harbour City, Dimsum Break, and Ding Qua Qua which serve quick dimsum meals.
“But all this time, it was always at the back of our minds that we wanted to bring the brand back, and it was the right time to do that here,” said Steven, who shared that the management has invested roughly P10 million for the new restaurant.
Unlike its other fastfood dimsum brands, however, Ding How promises to bring in a different experience to diners, one that is “relaxed and casual.”
“In the last two years, we’ve noticed that the Cebuano dining public has become more sophisticated, more open to try out new things. We felt it was the right time to bring back the brand here at Robinsons Galleria,” added Steven.
While the management doesn’t have plans yet to open another Ding How branch within the year, Steven said it is looking to grow in number in the coming years either through company expansion or franchise.