Dec. 11.2023, Tsim Tsa Tsui, HONG KONG – About 16 years ago, Gem L. Zeñarosa, only dreamt of establishing a simple business that would subsist his entire family, not realizing that what he had established would start a national love affair between Filipinos and something they’re totally unfamiliar – the pita wrap.
Branded as Turks, it would soon become a household name that satisfies the Filipinos’ insatiable cravings authentic, flavorful and great meals anytime of the day.
Zeñarosa, who has been called by the franchising community as a food business innovator and visionary, has been thinking of sharing this delight to those who have the penchant for great food,
His musings led him to Tsim Tsa Tsui, dubbed as one of the busiest and best places where you can experience the full spectrum of Hong Kong, Turks found a new home here. The popular logo of Turks, which delighted many Filipinos for its distinct and elegant design will now be a sight in the shopping and nightlife district of HK.
Zeñarosa who started a successful business strategy and pattern became the benchmark of small and medium entrepreneurs who want to make big in the food cart and franchising business. Turks, which changed how Filipinos appreciate pita wraps snacks, with the opening of its first branch here signals the commitment of Turks to become a strong food business brand across Southeast Asia.
This expansion does not only shows the strength of Turks as the No.1 pita wraps business in the Philippines with nearly 700 branches with 183+ franchisees throughout the archipelago, but also signifies the vigor of food business industry of the Philippines.
Turks is the first Filipino pita wrap brand to expand food business footprint outside the borders of the Philippines.
The Expansion
Ever since he started Turks 16 years ago in SM Sta. Mesa, a small kiosk offering a new image of shawarma that perfectly fits the Filipino taste buds, Zeñarosa knew that he will succeed because he puts his trust in the Lord.
A devout Iglesia ni Cristo, he’s never ashamed of his faith and he knew in his heart that all his dreams will be realized if he will put God first. As Turks continue to grow in the Philippines, the expansion in Asia came after countless inquiries for franchising from different parts of Asia and even in the US and Europe
Zeñarosa wanted to make sure the brand will stick to its origins in terms of ingredients and preparations without really deviating from its concept.
After years of careful planning and studying the best location for its expansion, Zeñarosa then decided to put up Turks in HK while saying, “Expansion in Hong Kong has been in our expansion plan abroad. I believe it is an excellent location to open a business given the number of foot traffic and healthy economy.”
He added that there is a lot of great food and great restaurants, fastfood and even street foods in HK. “We are confident that a “specialty food concept” like Turks with excellent quality would capture the market of HK.”
“Our menu has been our pride making it No.1 in the Philippines amongst all the brand with the same concept. We want to carry the same menu as we expand. Because we believe it would capture the palate of customers in HK just how Filipinos enjoying our product.”
Turks, the Philippines’s unrivaled and top-selling pita wrap as it begins its Southeast Asian stride did a minor rebranding to imprint a more sophisticated brand recall. “Turks, going abroad, might carry a connotation that it is a Mediterranean food, which is not. Hence, we thought of creating a non-barrier brand, T.Co. — carrying the T logo of Turks. It is somewhat, on the higher end of Turks.”
Bigger plans
Turks participation in the global arena is something the company has been anticipating even before the pandemic stage. But the owners had to consider certain matters first before committing to that vison of going out the local boarders and grow the business throughout Southeast Asia..
Hongkong is the first destination outside Philippines and will springboard this Pinoy pita wrap to most parts of the globe where people love great food.
“The branch in HK is just laying the foundation for our bigger plans to bolster and accelerate our presence in Southeast Asia. Our brand is constantly growing in the Philippines and I believe this is the right time to go outside of our comfort zone,” Zeñarosa added.
After the opening of this first branch, Turks will open five more stores in different strategic locations in HongKong in 2024. In a couple of months, Zenarosa is proud to announce that a second branch in HK will open in Kowloon, a strong indication of his commitment to become a global Filipino brand.
Turks dominated even more the food cart business when it started franchising, since then, Turks became a household name and the favorite pita wrap snacks of Pinoys. Over the years, Zeñarosa slowly introduced new food items and from a small food cart, he also opened several branches that serve as a fast food chain.
Zeñarosa continuously innovates his businesses and just last year he opened Turks first Drvie Thru branch in White Plains in Quezaon City, one of the most prestigious addresses in Metro Manila, making Turks the first pita wrap brand to have a drive thru service.
For more information visit http://www.turks.ph or FB Page: /official.turkswebsite.