Endless bowls of tasty gyudon and good fun marked the fifth anniversary celebration of the world-famous Japanese fastfood restaurant chain Yoshinoya’s presence in the Philippines. Known for its inimitable gyudon beef bowl, the first Yoshinoya restaurant was established in 1899 in Japan. It is now the largest chain of authentic Japanese beef bowl restaurants in the world, its name almost synonymous with gyudon. Yoshinoya also has restaurants in Australia, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States.
Cutting the ribbon are Takashi Abe, Yoshinoya D&C Japan director for international department, Ricardo Po Sr, chairman, Century Pacific Group and Leo Po, business unit head of Yoshinoya Century Pacific Inc.
Yoshinoya unveiled their new design concept at their recently renovated branch at SM Megamall. The revamped space features traditional Japanese elements with a modern touch as seen in the “Land of the Rising Sun” color palette of red-orange, Zen-inspired counters, Japanese fans as accent ceilings; contemporary Japanese-style tables and chairs, dividers that resemble shoji screens, and a display niche showcasing Japanese bowls.
The restaurant’s lighting now combines white and yellow lights to give diners a warm and cozy feel with Japanese-design drop lights that complement the overall look of the restaurant. The menu boards have been modified as well, using a medium that’s front lit for a clearer and more appetizing display. Top officials from Yoshinoya D&C, Japan, such as Director of the International Department Takashi Abe, and franchise manager Hiro Kato graced the event. The foreign principals were welcomed by top executives from the Century Pacific Group - the local Yoshinoya franchise holder headed by Ricardo Po, Sr., Chairman, Christopher Po, President and Leo Po, Business Unit Head.
“We are proud to present the new Yoshinoya concept store. We celebrate our fifth year of serving authentic and high quality Japanese food at affordable prices. With our new design, we are confident customers will be more excited to visit our store and enjoy their favorite Japanese food,” said Leo Po.
The festive affair was also made more exciting by a presentation of the traditional Japanese dramatic art of kabuki, as well as the presence of UAAP champions UST Growling Tigers. As honorary participants, the young cagers launched the Gyudon Beef Bowl eating contest. They were dared to take Yoshinoya’s gyudon challenge for “big eaters”. The challenge is to consume the most number of Gyudon Beef Bowls in 20 minutes. The contest is currently ongoing from Jan. 18 to Feb. 28, 2007.
Interested diners can join for a registration fee of Php150 with the weekly winners per outlet advancing to the grand finals set for February 28 at the SM Megamall Atrium. Prizes at stake are Php50,000 for the 1st prize, Php30,000 for the 2nd prize, Php10,000 for the third prize and Php500 worth of Yoshinoya gift certificates for the weekly winners.
Great prizes also await customers with The Great Gyudon Challenge raffle. To join, Yoshinoya patrons simply have to order a gyudon beef with Coke, which entitles them to one raffle coupon and a chance to win a Yamaha Motorbike X1. The Promo runs until Feb. 1 to Feb 28, 2007. The raffle draw is scheduled on Feb. 28, at the SM Megamall Atrium, Building A.
Director for Operations Logie Logarta stresses how in terms of food quality, patrons are assured of the same high standards found in Yoshinoya branches around the world. “Yoshinoya’s gyudon has a rich heritage of over a hundred years,” he shares. “We guarantee the authentic Japanese spirit of the food. But at the same time we also cater to the locals. It’s a marriage of what’s best there and what’s best here. Our menu line in the Philippines is the most extensive in the Yoshinoya system. Some menu items are homegrown but developed with the guidance and approval of Yoshinoya headquarters in Japan.”
Two new restaurants will soon be opened to continue the Yoshinoya tradition, in addition to existing branches at Park Square 1, Greenhills Annapolis Carpark, Robinsons Galleria East Wing, SM City North Edsa and SM Megamall.
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