JT’S MANUKAN GRILLE, which offers grilled chicken items marinated the Ilonggo way, is the brainchild of actor Joel Torre and his wife, Cristy. What started as a simple takeout counter in May 2003 has now blossomed into a full service restaurant concept with eleven existing branches.
The outlets are set-up in open air, alfresco settings which resemble the inasal chicken outlets commonly seen in Bacolod City. Air conditioning sections are also available. For quite some time, Joel and Cristy have been experimenting with various marinations that they’ve learned from their parents and aunts. They wanted to come up with grilled chicken that was tasty, succulent and fresh tasting at all times. In May 2003, the opportunity finally came for them to try out their recipes when Joel was offered a space at one of the properties of the Vera Perezes. The original plan of only having a take out counter for their chicken eventually became a restaurant as word got around of how juicy and tender the chicken being served at JT’s Manukan Grille was.