Standard Hospitality Group launches expanded Yabu flagship store, marks path to 100 locations.
Standard Hospitality Group (SHG) marks a major milestone in its expansion journey with the launch of Yabu: House of Katsu’s expanded flagship store at Power Plant Mall. The strategic reopening of Yabu’s 21st location, now 50% larger, reinforces SHG’s ambitious vision to grow its network from its current 45 stores to 100 locations within five years.
“Our goal is to set the standard in the restaurant scene, and this expanded flagship store represents our commitment to that vision,” shares John Concepcion, CEO of Standard Hospitality Group. “As we continue to grow, we’re focused on elevating the casual dining experience while maintaining the quality that has made Yabu the country’s leading katsu brand.”
The expanded Rockwell location addresses the high demand at one of Yabu’s busiest stores while showcasing the brand’s evolution. The significantly larger space features upgraded kitchen facilities, contemporary design elements, and new staff uniforms that reflect the brand’s continued innovation in the casual dining sector.
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Alongside the enhanced dining space, Yabu Rockwell introduces the exclusive Crispy Katsudon, a masterful creation featuring crispy katsu on silky tamagoyaki omelet, generously coated in rich donburi sauce and served on premium Japanese rice. The menu also highlights the popular new Kurobuta while maintaining Yabu’s signature unlimited Teishoku experience.
The reopening is part of SHG’s broader 2025 expansion strategy, which includes 12 new store openings across its portfolio of premium casual dining concepts. Under Concepcion’s leadership, who brings over 35 years of experience building market-leading brands, SHG continues to grow its Japanese dining concepts including Ippudo, Kiwami (featuring Yabu, Ippudo, Koyo, Hannosuke, Hachibei, and Hokkaido Soft Cream), and specialty café Elephant Grounds.
“Even as we pursue aggressive growth, our commitment to quality remains unwavering,” adds Concepcion. “Each new location and menu innovation is carefully crafted to deliver the authentic Japanese dining experience our guests have come to expect.”
The Standard Group was founded in 2011 and has become a leading name in Manila’s hospitality industry. Under the leadership of John Concepcion, SHG has successfully introduced and elevated Japanese comfort food across Metro Manila’s most iconic locations. It continues to maintain world-class standards while creating unique dining experiences.
Operating four distinctive brands across 45 locations, the group is renowned for innovation, commitment to quality, excellence, and the spirit of genuine hospitality. Their brands include Yabu: House of Katsu, Ippudo, Elephant Grounds, Kiwami (Yabu, Ippudo, Hannosuke, Hachibei, Hokkaido Soft Cream).
The new Yabu flagship store is located at Power Plant Mall.
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