MANILA - Restaurant operator Foodee Global Concepts said it would bring its Mesa brand to the US next year, hoping to capitalize on growing demand for Filipino food.

The company is looking for a partner for the Mesa outlet in Los Angeles, California which will also be its first overseas foray, Foodee Global Concepts president Eric Dee told ABS-CBN News on Friday.

Mesa, which offers a modern take on Filipino favorites like boneless crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckle), will open its 50th local outlet in the first quarter of 2018, he said.

"Filipino food is trending in the US and western countries now (but) most of the food that's coming up is Americanized or influenced by Filipinos there. What we want to bring is the authentic feel," Dee said.

Foodee Global Concepts operates popular foreign brands in the Philippines, including Tim Ho Wan and Todd English Food Hall.

Restaurant operator Max's Group and the country's largest fastfood operator, Jollibee, also operate stores in the US, catering to homesick Filipinos.