Cheese Steak Shop opens 1st Phl branch in Makati

MANILA, Philippines - The Cheese Steak Shop, the California-based Philadelphia-style steak specialist, will make its debut in the Philippines with the opening of the first franchised outlet in Makati this month.

Margaret ‘Mai’ Uy, who belongs to a family of businessmen with interests in various industries, secured the master franchise for The Cheese Steak Shop in the Philippines.

“We are introducing to Filipinos American food.  We are confident we will be able to capture the discerning taste of Filipino buffs and grow the business throughout the country,” Uy emphasized.

The lady entrepreneur who studied at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California, said the main target markets for The Cheese Steak Shop are the A and B population, expatriates and those looking and searching to satisfy their want for taste.

Among its top offerings are different variants of its philly cheese steaks; seven-inch, 10-inch and 15-inch hot and freshly-made original cheese steak sandwiches and salads, among other favorites.

To ensure that all the food in its menu will capture their original flavor, almost all of the ingredients will be imported straight from Philadelphia.

The Cheese Steak Shop currently has a total of 28 branches, 27 outlets in California and the Philippine branch as the first and only franchise outside the United States.

When she experienced the restaurant in its Walnut Creek branch, Uy said she already thought of bringing the concept to the Philippines.  

The first Cheese Steak Shop Manila had its soft opening last July 11 at the ground floor of The E-Hotel Makati at 906 A. Arnaiz St. (formerly Pasay Road), San Lorenzo Village, Makati City. The grand launch will be presided by US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas Jr.

Earlier, The Cheese Steak Shop USA sent its operations manager, Doug Smith, who visited the Philippines to ensure the highest standards of the franchise has been followed.  Smith, who has been with the company for 26 years, conducted  thorough food product testing and training evaluation of the local personnel.

He returned to the US fully satisfied that The Cheese Steak Shop Manila offers the same highest quality standards found in US branches. For inquiries, call  555-0235, 555-1818 or send email to info@cheesesteakshop.com.ph,  or visit its website at www.cheesesteakshop.com.ph.