Jean Paul Manuud

At the helm of The Bistro Group, Jean Paul Manuud oversees one of the Philippines’ largest and most diverse restaurant portfolios, managing over 200 branches that range from global heavyweights like TGI Fridays, Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden and Hard Rock Café to homegrown brands such as Las Flores and The Test Kitchen. Manuud’s leadership ethos is distinctly people‑centred, prioritising humility and robust investment in staff training to maintain impeccable service standards across a vast and varied operational landscape.

Under his stewardship the group has continued its aggressive expansion through high-profile strategic partnerships. Significant milestones include the introduction of the Brazil‑born steakhouse Fogo de Chão and the launch of the country’s first Dave & Buster’s at Opus Mall in late 2025 which brought a massive food‑and‑entertainment concept to the local market.

The year 2025 also marked a watershed moment for the group’s culinary prestige with the debut of the Michelin Guide for the Philippines. Manuud saw his vision of pairing international scale with local excellence validated when Helm by chef Josh Boutwood became the country’s first two‑star restaurant while other Bistro‑linked concepts such as Ember and The Test Kitchen were also recognised in the selection.

Above all, Manuud views his legacy through the lens of talent development and resilience. By fostering a company culture where every employee is valued and empowered, he ensures that the group’s enduring success is rooted in the thriving people behind the scenes.