Cebu-based resto chain to open 3 new branches

Cebuano restaurant chain Golden Cowrie and Hukad, managed by Cebu Golden Restaurant Inc., announced to open three more branches within the country this year.

At present, the Cebu Golden Restaurant Inc., led by couple Kenneth and Christine Cokseng has a total of 15 restaurant outlets, six of which are located in Cebu, while other outlets are operated by franchisees spread in major cities in the Southern Philippines including Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Bohol, as well as Osamiz and Dumaguete.

In an interview with Kenneth Cokseng, he said that the company will open three more outlets either bringing the Golden Cowrie or Hukad brands in Puerto Princesa , Butuan City and another one in Cebu at Parkmall.

Golden Cowrie, known for its home-cooked Filipino cuisine has been in the restaurant business since early 1980s, originally owned by the Ebrada family.

The Cokseng family, also the family behind the success of Orange Brutus fast food chain bought Golden Cowrie in the year 2000 and revived the brand since then.

Cokseng said despite the fast growth of the restaurant industry in Cebu and in the Philippines in general, the two brands continue to thrive, owing its brand’s legacy that established a strong following not only from Cebuanos, but also from out-of-towners.

The company recently opened its sixth branch in Cebu, located at A.S. Fortuna street in Mandaue City, the food-trip area of Metro Cebu.

Aside from its aggressive expansion plan to open more branches around the country, through its franchise offer, the company is also considering to venture overseas, once its franchise system will be improved to accommodate requests and demand for franchise operation in other countries.

However, at this point, Cokseng said the company will have to take advantage of the vibrant restaurant sector, confident of its expertise in offering authentic Filipino cuisine.

Meanwhile, Christine Cokseng said that the company will join the bid in promoting Filipino cuisine to the world, which has not been established yet, unlike other cuisines, like Japanese, Chinese, and Thai, among others.

Golden Cowrie of Hukad franchise package is pegged at P1 million regardless of restaurant size, it’s a semi-turn key package, Cokseng said.

He believes that operators of Filipino restaurant sector will continue to thrive, saying despite the wider choices of cuisines being made available at competitive pricing, “Filipinos always look for their native cuisine or their ‘comfort food.’”

Golden Cowrie, as well as Hukad are known for their crispy pata and baked scallop dishes.

Part of the company’s innovation plan to trail-blaze with the competition, is its introduction of a take-out counter starting with its A.S. Fortuna branch.

Also, Cokseng added that the company is set to make some renovations in all of its restaurants to catch up with the trend, and the ever evolving eating psyche of Filipinos and foreign tourists.