When one thinks of Japan, delicious Japanese food and the iconic look of Tokyo’s train stations may be some of the first things that come to mind. Combining these two is exactly what was behind the new look of Japanese restaurant Go Bento’s original location in BGC in Taguig.
Following months of renovation, Go Bento has recently unveiled its 90-seater restaurant’s new design which imbibed a “Tokyo-Metro” vibe with red tiles, signages, railings, and other details akin to a train station in Tokyo.
Upon entering the restaurant, customers will be greeted by a large sign depicting directions similar to those seen in Japanese train stations. However, instead of Japanese train stops, the signs lead to where they can take their seats, orders, and takeout requests. Some seats were also designed to mimic the interior of trains, with booths having metallic railings, giving customers a chance to feel what it is like to be on a train in Japan while enjoying their meals.
Scott Tan, the managing director of Scottland Food Group, Inc., which was the company that launched Bonchon in the Philippines, shared that he studied Japanese restaurants while planning for the new designs of Go Bento.
Tan found that they typically either had the concept of a traditional restaurant or focused on the popular J-pop and Manga themes. Upon being in a train station in Tokyo, he realized that a metro train station theme would best fit Go Bento’s concept, which is why the restaurant ended up adapting its ambiance.
“This blueprint goes well with our bento boxes, [with] bentos being a huge part of Japanese people’s culture and heritage, just as train stations are,” said Tan.
He further explained that through their bento boxes, he wanted to recreate the feeling and value that Japanese people embody when it comes to their food.
“[Bento boxes] are embedded in the culinary DNA of the working people. They grab a bento box before going to work, on their way home and anytime they want to eat a quick and complete meal,” said Tan.
Tan further noted that the company had noticed how there were not a lot of authentic and affordable Japanese food offerings in the local market despite the growing demand for it.
“[That is why] we adjusted and tailored-fit Go Bento’s concept to make them high-quality, complete, and affordable,” said Tan, further stating how his venture in leading and growing the restaurant came from his experience with handling Bonchon.
Go Bento is set to pursue further expansion this year as it plans to open 10 more branches operated by the company in Metro Manila this year, with the next opening slated to be in Robinsons Galleria within two to three months.
The renovated restaurant is located at The Spa Building in Bonifacio High Street, BGC.