Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2022 honouree, the chef and restaurateur of Antonio's Group of Restaurants, voices his influential journey in the F&B industry
Likewise known as "Tony Boy", Antonio Escalante is the owner of Antonio's in Silang, Cavite. The patron chef of the esteemed restaurant has now expanded into a chain including Breakfast in Antonio's and Balay Daku in Tagaytay. If the drive to the south cancels out one's determination to dine in the promising flavours served by Escalante, the experience is also available at the brick-and-mortar outlet called Pedro the Grocer in Makati.
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Escalante's dishes are a magnet on their own, paired with the relaxing yet elegant old-worldly feel, reeling in a lot of food enthusiasts. The irresistible attraction to Antonio's signature dining experience propelled another expansion in the works which is a mixture of bistro and fine dining with a bar.
In this piece, Tatler sits down with the restaurateur and further pokes at Antonio's secret recipe to success.
What are your projects in the last two years that you are most proud of?
Antonio Escalante (AE): Expanding into food retail of our restaurant products to a broader range of consumers and able to work and promote local products of individual food entrepreneurs, through Pedro the Grocer. The opening of two restaurants in Metro Manila, with two different concepts.
What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?
(AE): The challenge of having your products arrive on time and high prices of ingredients. For the time being, we just have to support and be creative with what our suppliers have. I believe this is just temporary.
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Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration, or mentorship?
(AE): I get my guidance and inspiration from reading materials or documentary films, from entrepreneurial people I read about. Mentorship is from random people who are into business. I take what is applicable to me.
What can you say to those who'd like to follow in your footsteps?
(AE): Stay focused on your idea and always look for opportunities to grow. Take good care of your people, they will be with you in your growth.