Lechon resto expands outlets, eyes Talamban student market

After seeing an increase in the number of tourists dining in Zubuchon, the lechon specialist opened its fourth outlet in Cebu in Escario Central this week and is set to open another outlet by November in Talamban, Cebu City.

Zubuchon owner Joel Binamira said more tourists come to their restaurants after reading online articles about their special roasted pig dishes.

Zubochon offers lechon-inspired dishes served as paksiw, crispy pata, pancit lechon, adobong kangkong with lechon and recently boneless Zubochon.

“What I usually do is ask them how they’d like to eat. Do they want to eat like Magellan? If so then I serve them the dishes that Magellan actually ate when he came to Cebu which includes lechon or the roasted pork,” said Binamira.

Aside from delicious dishes, customers come for a novel experience.

Zubochon sources ingredients from local farmers and backyard growers.

For example, its supply of kamias is mostly from backyard growers who come to the restaurant to sell their produce.

“We need kamias for our kamias shake which only Zubochon is offering. In a week we need about 100 kilos. Another local ingredient is our chili for the chili sauce,” said Binamira.

Soon they will be adding homemade ice cream in the menu, said Binamira.

NEW CONCEPT

Binamira said he plans set up the sixth outlet beside the University of San Carlos Talamban campus as an “express” outlet instead of a restaurant to suit the mostly student market.

“It will be our first express outlet,” he said Binamira.

It will offer their standard lechon products but this time in combo-type meal packages.

If the express shop clicks, Binamira said this could be the start of a chain in Cebu including those in malls.

He said he’s not keen on offering the Zubochon brand for franchising although he’s had many offers.

Zubuchon has outlets in One Mango in Mango Avenue, Cebu City, another in Mactan and two along Escario Street – one near the Capitol which is y under renovation and a newly opened outlet in Escario Central./Reporter Aileen Garcia-Yap