Danielle Anne P. David MKC10A4-CMC

RETAIL ICONGerry Apolinario

Gerry's Grill, one of the most successful restaurant and bar in the country started on February 14, 1997.The name of the famous RestoBar came from the founder himself, Mr. Gerry Apolinario. Gerry's love for food and drinks and his passion for cooking is what drove him to start the business. He also loves going out and experiencing quality and varied cuisines. As a fan of various cuisines, he saw that there was something lacking in the industry. And those are quality grills, seafood and asian cuisines combined with nice and pleasing ambiance that goes together with quality foods that everyone can enjoy.

Gerry is fond of relaxing places with enjoyable nightlife. During his early days, he had asthma so he would love to go to beaches just to relax and breathe fresh air. This is also one of the reason why he likes to make his restaurants pleasing to the customers in terms of its ambiance and space. Also before, Gerry would always be the one designated to cook among his friends during gatherings or every time they go out of town. If there were certain events, he would be asked to cook his favorite dishes to serve his family, relatives and guests. This is another reason for him wanting to put up a restaurant.

Way back in his college years, Gerry had been dreaming of putting up a place where everyone could enjoy good food and just have a good time. At

first, his concept for the business was one where people or friends could just come and relax with a drink or two. But then after, Gerry's Grill became a family restaurant too.

Behind all his success, just like any other son would do, Gerry gives credit to his parents for his entreprenurial skills. His parents run a maritime safety equipment business and because of this, he learned how to handle and maintain a successful business. Every summer and even after graduating from college, Gerry worked and helped with the family business instead of looking for a job in the corporate world.

Today, Gerry is the CEO and President of the Prime Pacific Grill Inc. (PPGI), which is the operator of Gerry's Grill. He plans to expand their business overseas in other countries like Canada, Australia and Thailand. With almost 50 plus branches nationwide and also with

branches overseas like in the United States, Singapore, and Qatar, Gerry doesn't plan to relax so soon. Gerry says in an interview with Manila Standard, "There is always a lesson to be learned. I remember somebody told me when you are too comfortable, that is the beginning of your failure. If you are comfortable about your success and you relax already, that is when you begin to fail. That is why you should always be on your toes. And that is what I am also doing."

Gerry Apolinario, CEO and President of PPGI