MBAH FOOD TRIP report by Tinkerbell

FOOD TRIP

The class went to three restaurants in Powerplant Mall in Makati as part of our food trip in Entrepreneur class last March 9. These were Banana Leaf for lunch, Sugarhouse for dessert, and Draft Gastropub for coffee and cocktails.

1. BANANA LEAF

This is an all Asian concept restaurant; the ambiance, food and even the food servers were wearing Asian outfits. We partook of Thai soup, padthai, crispy tilapia, curry chicken, and sizzling beef. The food was delicious and food servers were attentive.

Primary target markets are Asian-food lovers, professionals and residents of Rockwell.

The restaurant was located at the basement level of the mall, along with other restaurants.  The place was cozy.  Lighting was all right, not too dim, not too bright. Walls were decorated with Asian inspired paintings. Seats and tables were okay, although the spacing between tables was a bit crowded.

The innovations we noted were the following:

-          Banana leaves were used as plates gave us the idea that we can eat with bare hands.  This reminded us that we are in the Philippines

-          The ambience encourages group or family dining. The atmosphere was informal and connotes eating time as a happy time

-          The interiors (ceiling, chairs, tables, wall ornaments) were all Asian and made us feel we were in another Asian country

Prices were reasonable and affordable for their PTM.

Basing on the number of people eating, the people in queue, and the eight (8) branches this restaurant have, we consider the restaurant a success.

2. SUGARHOUSE

This is a coffee and dessert place. It offers a variety of cakes, pastries, and even coffee. It also offers main entrees/hearty meals for lunch, snacks, and dinner. We had apple pie and chocolate cake which satisfied our sweet craving.

Primary target markets are cake-lovers, professionals and residents of Rockwell.

We did not notice any significant innovations except for sugar-free cakes although they are now available in most of the eating establishments. They also offer catering and food delivery services during business hours.

Prices are a bit on the high side, although still fairly affordable for their target markets.

We feel that it is successful on its business concept which is to offer premium cakes. The twelve branches in Metro Manila are reflective of its success.

3. DRAFT GASTROPUB

This is a new watering hole with a European casual dining concept. It offers a variety of European beers and a wide array of scrumptious and highly palatable European food.

Primary target markets are club-goers, yuppies, professionals and residents of Rockwell.

The place is a bit overwhelming and very manly because of its dark wooden walls and equally dark wooden tables and chairs.  There are likewise larger than life mirrors!  The menu was written in chalk on a gigantic backdrop.  A similar copy is printed on a pale brown paper which is also used as a placemat.

Draft is located at the 2^nd floor where Kabisera used to be located.  The area is where the elevators and toilets are.  It can also be accessed from the outside by using its huge stairs.

The innovations that we noted were the following:

-          A wide variety of draft beer from Europe

-          European ambiance

-          Presence of smoking area but without horrific traces of cigarette smoke inside

-          Tables are massive and can accommodate large amounts of food and drinks

The items are on the pricey side, although this should not be a problem for the target markets.

Based on the number of people dining & drinking inside and outside even during lunch time, we consider it a success. <good OLO;  this is a practice set for business model and business concept, preparation for making a bp>

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*****TINKERBELL*****
pseudonym for entrepreneurship
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