Gerry’s @ 20

Almost 20 years ago, I got my first real job in the corporate rat-race as a medical representative. My first assignment was in Manila where I used to cover and visit doctors on a daily basis. During the early 90’s, being a medical representative at that time was among the most lucrative careers in the sales industry because of its perks, commissions and, of course, the company car which we were also allowed to use for most of our personal agendas. 

Gerry's new logo and Name...

Being young with substantial cash to spend, my colleagues and I were frequent visitors of the “grill hubs," an emerging food and booze favorites for medreps. Among the most popular was Gerry’s Grill along Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City. I can still remember the place as an open space diner where Grilled Pusit, Tuna-panga, the Sizzling Sisig and buckets of SanMig lights were the common staple foods during Friday nights… Those were the days!

The First Gerry's at Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City

20 years after, look how Gerry’s has evolved into now!

The Gerry’s that we used to know with the ‘tambayan-beer garden vibe' has transformed into a more casual family-oriented feel. That single branch in Tomas Morato has now grown into more than 80 branches, not just here in the Philippines, but in other countries as well. Recently, it also franchised several popular Asian restaurants that likewise captured Pinoys' food preferences.

Beef Kare-kare. One of Gerry's best seller...

With its continuous adaptation to change, Gerry’s also underwent several transformations in terms of look, its logo, staff uniforms, and menu. Recently, Gerry’s held a cook-off among its branches' chefs and the winning entries became part of their current menu line-up. Among those are: Salt and Pepper Squid, Chicharon Liempo, Kalderetang Kambing, and Spanish Style Bangus. New desserts are: Sweet Suman, Crunchy Camote Chips, Turion Con Yema, and Sweet Potato Ala Mode.

Sir Francis Villaluz, Gerry's Sr. Marketing Manager with the College of Saint Benilde lady Blazers

Through the years, Gerry’s hard work has paid off with its numerous recognitions for its excellent dishes. Among them: Spot.ph with its Bangus Sisig Award for the year 2012. The Choice, People’s Favorite Restaurant for Office party Award for 2015, and the People’s favorite Sisig Award for 2015 and 2016. From these citations, Gerry’s have certainly gone a long way in serving the Pinoy’s comfort food. 

The First Gerry's Uniforms

Gearing up to its 20th year, more are expected to come at Gerry’s, not just its superb Filipino dishes served by their cheerful and efficient staff members, but also the number of places where you can find Gerry’s around the archipelago in the first quarter of 2017. These will be in SM San Pablo, SM Iloilo, Festival Mall Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Bacolod City, and Mactan Cebu. But, by the end of 2016, three branches will already be opened in Robinson’s Place in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Matalino Street, Quezon City, and South Park in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. 

Sir Francis with the Philippine Volcanoes...

 For 20 years, Filipinos have patronized the iconic grilled-food restaurant and by that, Gerry’s have reached great achievements. As a way of giving back, Gerry’s has extended its services to provide sponsorship to Filipino athletes such as the UST Growling Tigers, UP Maroons, University of Perpetual Help, and Arellano University in the NCAA. This year, in addition to their roster of sports teams, Gerry's included sponsoring food provisions for the current NCAA Women’s Volleyball Champion, the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers and the Philippine Volcanoes.