SSI Group Inc., a leading distributor of global lifestyle and retail brands in the Philippines, has seen the growth of its food brand investments, through the opening of SaladStop!, Good Eats and TWG Tea restaurants.
It is eyeing further expansion of its food business through its next import, New York’s iconic modern-day “roadside” burger stand, Shake Shack.
“Given the success of Salad Stop! in the Philippines and the availability of many interesting restaurant brands that have yet to open in the country, the group is planning to selectively expand its food business through 2019. This will allow the group to leverage on the experience we have acquired in operating SaladStop!, TWG Tea, Good Eats, and our central kitchen,” said SSI Group president Anton Huang.
Shake Shack, an American icon popular across the globe, resonates with the Philippine market and SSI’s brand identity. It is critically-acclaimed and known for its 100-percent all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat-top Vienna beef dogs, fresh-spun frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine.
The brand’s fine dining heritage and commitment to real, premium ingredients, along with its fun environment has earned it a cult-like following around the world — and makes it a perfect fit for the SSI Group, which has been successfully curating quality retail and food concepts for the country for 30 years.
“The group’s expanding food business will also leverage on the Group’s expertise in identifying concepts that resonate with Filipino consumers,” said Huang.
Michael Kark, vice president of global licensing at Shake Shack, said SSI is the ideal partner for the brand’s launch in Manila. “Manila is an incredible city; its heart beats with a distinct warmth and hospitality. We are excited to begin the search for our first site in Metro Manila and look forward to becoming part of this community,” he said.
Huang said it has been a mission of the SSI Group to provide complete lifestyle offerings and global partnerships that aim to enrich and elevate the lives of Filipino consumers.
“With Manila becoming a credible location for food finds, it was inevitable for us to bring to our local shores one of the best burger joints with a worldwide cult following around the world — Shake Shack. We are most excited to partner with them and bring the complete gastronomic experience, coupled with its fun and lively environment to food lovers here in the Philippines,” he said.
Shake Shack will open its first store in Manila in the first quarter of 2019.
