The Bistro Group, following its acquisition by Bounty Fresh Group Holdings affiliate Inoza Business Holdings Inc., is convinced that Filipinos still have a healthy appetite for dining out, and is investing nearly P1 billion to make sure there are more tables waiting.
The restaurant giant is rolling out one of its biggest expansion programs yet, opening around 40 new stores in 2026 as it responds to changing consumer tastes, growing demand for dining experiences and stronger interest in both global and homegrown brands.
Kenneth Cheng, Bountry Fresh president, the group’s 2025 acquisition of The Bistro Group was never about creating another sales outlet for the company’s poultry business. It was about building a stronger food ecosystem from farm to fork, he said.
“So far, it’s going well,” Cheng said. “We made the acquisition not because we want to sell them chickens, but we just want to make the whole integration stronger. In the end, it’s about extending the integration.”
Bistro Group President Jean Paul Manuud said expansion today is no longer simply about opening more restaurants but about keeping pace with increasingly sophisticated Filipino diners.
The company operates about 30 brands, including Italianni’s, Texas Roadhouse, TGI Fridays, Morton’s, Fogo de Chão, and local favorites Crazy Garlic, Siklab and La Lola. It is also preparing to bring the London-born Asian-inspired chain Wagamama to the Philippines after securing exclusive operating rights.
“We are well-traveled now. We go around and we see brands,” said Manuud, noting that many Filipinos are already familiar with international restaurant concepts before they arrive locally.
Rather than pursuing more acquisitions, Bistro is focusing on expanding the brands already in its portfolio. Its homegrown concepts are receiving fresh investments alongside established international names, reflecting confidence that local brands can thrive alongside global icons.
The company is also moving beyond the traditional mall format by opening more freestanding restaurants with dedicated parking. Some sites will even house two or three Bistro brands under one roof, making dining more convenient while maximizing space in emerging commercial districts such as Tomas Morato.
The strategy reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior. Even amid economic headwinds, Filipinos continue to prioritize shared meals and memorable dining experiences.
Bistro expects portfolio-wide sales growth of 20 to 32 percent this year and plans to grow its network from 222 stores to more than 250 by year-end, showing that good food and familiar brands remain firmly on the menu.
Cheng said the acquisition of Bistro represented a natural progression for Bounty Fresh as it continues to diversify beyond poultry production, processed foods, and value-added products into consumer-facing businesses.
“We’re happy that we were able to acquire it,” he said.
The acquisition was completed through two separate transactions. The company initially acquired a stake from private equity firm Navegar I (Singapore) Pie Ltd. and later purchased the remaining shares from Anscor Group to gain full control.
