A post shared by RICO'S LECHON (@ricoslechonofficial) on Jun 10, 2018 at 7:15pm PDT

MANILA – Rico’s Lechon is set to take over Manila.

The Cebu-based brand is set to open at least nine branches in the metro under the management of Meat Concepts Inc., which is affiliated with the operators of Ogawa Traditional Japanese Restaurant, KPub BBQ, Thai BBQ, Oppa Chicken, Modern China, and Tony Roma’s.

Expect to see a Rico’s Lechon branch soon at Fort Strip in Bonifacio Global City, Tiendesitas and Portico in Pasig City, Glorietta in Makati, Cloverleaf Mall and UP Town Center in Quezon City, Ayala Feliz in Marikina, and Ayala Macapagal and Blue Bay Walk in Pasay City.

“We are excited with the acquisition as it is our first Filipino brand. In a sense, it complements our international brand offerings,” Meat Concepts Corp. president George Pua said in a statement released Monday.

“I’ve been a patron of Rico’s Lechon for years and personally believe it’s the best. We want to be able to have Cebuanos take pride in sharing this with the rest of the country, and eventually the world,” he added.

The owners of Rico’s Lechon, who are close friends with Pua, will be hands-on during the transition period “to maintain the quality of food and service” that the brand is known for.

Rico’s Lechon has been a mainstay in Cebu for 20 years, and is the only local food concept to have won the Asia-Pacific Stevie International Business Award in Japan last year.