| Congo Grille | |
| Type: | Public |
| Foundation: | Quezon City, Philippines |
| Location: | Pasig, Philippines |
| Locations: | 10 |
| Founder: | Kenneth Sytin, MBA |
| Industry: | Restaurants |
| Products: | Philippine cuisine Grilled food |
| Homepage: | (defunct) |
Congo Grille is a chain of family restaurants in the Philippines named for its African jungle-themed interiors.[1] In contrast to the decor, the cuisine is predominantly Filipino with a smidgen of Western and Chinese foods. The restaurant is also popularly known as The Sisig King for its recent achievements in a food feast celebrating the favorite Filipino dish.[2] The chain has plans to build stores overseas, especially in the United States.[3]
Congo Grille was established in 1999 by Kenneth Sytin and his brothers. That year, the business had as many as 13,000 customers a month and was dubbed "the fastest growing grill in town."[4] In 2006, Congo Grill participated in the Annual Sisig Festival held in Angeles City. Their pork sisig and two other sisig dishes won first prizes in the major categories.[5] [6]
The restaurant operates based on three concepts; a Philippine restaurant in an air conditioned environment, food without monosodium glutamate, and a mascot (an ape in a safari outfit) for entertaining youngsters.[1] Congo Grille was opened for franchising in 2008.[7]
The first franchised-operated store opened at the Araneta Center in 2009.[2]
In 2007, Congo Grille, along with other companies, organized a party to feed 407 children of low-income families in the city of Valenzuela. This was part of a program dealing with nationwide hunger.[8]
Two years later, they teamed up with local television network GMA in feeding low-income individuals. Workers of the restaurant chain offered meals to 300 people in Quezon City, its birthplace. Toys and other collectibles were also donated.[9]