The week brought a mix of developments across the food industry, with restaurant groups announcing changes, new players entering the market and familiar names marking achievements at home and abroad.
Here are the food stories that made the cut this week:
Refreshed identity
The Bistro Group is stepping into its next phase with a refreshed corporate logo, marking a visual update for the restaurant group while keeping the hospitality values it has built over more than three decades.
The new identity features a cleaner, contemporary design while incorporating a stylized symbol inspired by a warm smile and food, elements the company says reflect its signature hospitality and dining experience.
“It ensures that our long-time guests and the younger sets like the Millennials and GenZs feel equally welcome at any Bistro restaurant,” The Bistro Group president Jean Paul Manuud said.
The redesign comes as the company continues expanding its portfolio, including the arrival of international concepts such as UK-based wagamama, while growing its existing global and homegrown brands.
First overseas store in Manila
Japanese specialty donut brand Jack In The Donuts has opened its first international location in the Philippines, bringing its “World Donuts” concept to Filipino customers.
The brand, established in 2011 by BIGCREATE Co., Ltd., is known for its rotating selection of donut varieties inspired by flavors from different countries.
Its first Philippine store opened at Level 2, Glorietta 4 in Makati City on July 24, offering creations that include Japanese-inspired flavors such as matcha and kinako, as well as popular items like the Soft Malasada.
To mark its launch, customers who purchase six donuts in a single transaction on weekends from July 25 to August 30 will receive a free Old Fashion Donut coupon for their next visit.
Reusable cups
Mang Inasal is giving customers another reason to enjoy its Buddy Fiesta offerings with a limited-time collectible.
Every purchase of the Mang Inasal Buddy Fiesta, available in All-Chicken or a Paa and Pork BBQ combo, comes with a chance to receive one of three specially designed reusable Fiesta cups.
“The Special Mang Inasal Fiesta Cups come in three fun designs that depict the Fiesta spirit that customers have long associated with the Ihaw-Sarap meals and Unli-Saya dining experience that Mang Inasal offers,” Mang Inasal president Mike Castro said.
Food vlogger Marc Mascardo, also known as The Lamon King, said the cups were a welcome addition for novelty collectors.
“For a novelty item enthusiast like me, the Mang Inasal Fiesta cup is a welcome treat. I like that it comes with my favorite Mang Inasal Buddy Fiesta. This is definitely one promo that I will not let pass,” he said.
US fried chicken recognition
Jollibee Chickenjoy has once again been named the No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the United States in USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, marking its third consecutive year receiving the recognition.
Jollibee Group Global President and Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Tanmantiong said the recognition reflects the brand’s focus on consistency.
“Receiving this recognition for the third consecutive year is especially meaningful because it reflects the consistency of the quality, taste, and customer experience that we work hard to deliver with every serving in Chickenjoy,” he said.
The award was determined through public voting by USA TODAY readers.
Ingredient-focused desserts
Baking Therapy by Healthy Options is putting a spotlight on ingredient quality with its new line of artisanal gelato and sorbet offerings.
Available at its Shangri-La Plaza location, the collection includes flavors such as Hazelnut Gelato, Dark Chocolate Gelato, Matcha, Coffee, Pistachio Gelato, and Mango Sorbet made with single-origin Davao mangoes.
“We introduced our all-natural and artisanal gelato and sorbet collection in response to the way consumers are redefining indulgence today,” Healthy Options Managing Director Romy Sia said.
Chef Pam’s signature bites
Although MGallery Collection’s limited-time World Cocktail Month pairings will conclude in mid-August, signature bites created with Michelin-starred chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij will remain available year-round at participating hotels across Asia.
The collaboration features five globally inspired bites paired with cocktails, including Caviar-Crowned Tartare, Tender Temptation Wings, Sun-Kissed Crab, Truffle Shuffle Polenta, and Squid’s Midnight Dip.
Drunken Fish joins 50 Best Discovery
Drunken Fish, Wynn Macau’s seafood dining destination, has been added to 50 Best Discovery, a global guide featuring restaurants, bars, hotels, and vineyards.
Led by Executive Chef Henry Zhang Zhicheng, the restaurant is known for premium seafood offerings, Chinese regional influences, and dishes incorporating Moutai.
The recognition adds Drunken Fish to the list of Wynn venues featured on the platform and follows its previous MICHELIN Selected recognition.
10 years supporting sari-sari stores
B2B technology platform Growsari is celebrating its 10th anniversary after expanding from a small operation serving three cities in Rizal to a nationwide ecosystem supporting more than 500,000 sari-sari stores.
Co-founder and CEO ER Rollan highlighted the role of neighborhood stores in Filipino communities.
“With everything happening around us right now, the high prices, the hardships, all the uncertainty, things can feel incredibly heavy,” Rollan said.
“But if you walk down any street in the Philippines, a sari-sari store is still open.”
