Fast-food restaurants in the country come by the dozen. There are outlets of multinational fast-food chains which have exported their food items from the country where it originates to the local market. There are also these chains’ copycats which have modified their food offerings to suit the Filipino taste. Others maintain to be truly Pinoy. But none has captured the Filipino palate in so less a time than Mang Inasal.

Who would have ever through that a once backyard industry would make it this far? It was only five years ago, on December 12, 2003, when Mang Inasal opened its very first outlet at Robinson’s Carpark in Iloilo City. Seven months later, on July 4, 2004, its first branch outside Iloilo—in TATC, Roxas City, began its operations. Its first restaurant outside the Visayas, in Davao City, opened on December 8, 2005. Then, it achieved another milestone by opening its 50th Mang Inasal branch in Bacolod North Drive on February 8, 2008. And today, January 9, Mang Inasal will accomplish another high point as it opens its 100th store in Kailbo, Aklan.

But there are no secrets to the success Mang Inasal is currently reaping. Some credit it to the grilled food that it provides. Others attribute it to its truly Pinoy fare and distinctly Ilonggo recipe offering. Some opined it’s the use of local herbs and spices that make its chicken taste good. Others still say it’s the price of its food which is truly very affordable. Whatever it is, Mang Inasal’s growth has really been phenomenal.

It really did not take some time before Mang Inasal, despite stiff competition, made its presence felt in the market. Hordes of diners usually frequent its branches. The opening of new branches has always been anticipated. And with more and more branches sprouting in the country, Mang Inasal has indeed already captured the heart of every Filipino.