The Abaca Group mulls Vismin expansion

The Abaca Group, known for its high-end restaurants and resort, is eyeing out-of-Cebu expansion with extra emphasis on Visayas and Mindanao.

The group, which operates its flagship brand the Abaca Baking Company (ABC) targets to open outlets initially in Bacolod, and Davao. It will also introduce its different brand concepts like the Phat Pho, Red Lizard in Metro Manila market, announced the company’s director for business Chef Patrick Corpuz.

The company, which was founded by American restaurateur Jason Hyatt is the most aggressive restaurant and food concept operator in Cebu, opening nine ABC outlets, and at least five specialty food concept brands since 2015 when the Group introduced the first ABC outlet in Crossroads Mall in Banilad.

According to Corpuz, aside from the company’s plan for out-of-Cebu venture, it is also opening more outlets in Cebu in the next few months.

Recently, the Group opened its 9th ABC outlet, which is considered as the flagship restaurant.

Last year, the Abaca Group opened 10 restaurants in Cebu with its different specialty brands including Tavolata, Phat Pho, Red Lizard, Luncheonette. The Group also operates the Mexican restaurant called Maya also located in Crossroads Mall.

Coming from its aggressive expansion move in 2017, Corpuz said the company is strengthening its operational foundation this year, including improvement of back-end services, among others in preparation for its national expansion.

In Visayas and Mindanao, the Group intends to directly operate the branches in order to maintain its signature in quality and service.

The Manila outlets, on the other hand will be operated with a partner.

Soon, the company will open its largest Abaca Baking Company outlet in SM Seaside.

The Abaca Group ventured into the luxury accommodation and restaurant sector in Cebu in 2006, through the nineroom Abaca Boutique Resort in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island.