The Kagay-anon palate always looks for delicious and affordable Filipino food that give good value to money. Thankfully, Mykarelli’s Grill is here in Cagayan de Oro. It is one of those homegrown Pinoy restaurants that leave a mark on your mind and heart.
Why? Because at every Mykarelli’s branch you go to, people always come flocking to the place no matter where the location is. This proves that it really is indeed one of the best restaurants in the city.
The Birth of a Business Idea
We had a chat with Joel Villar, the restaurant’s Human Resource Manager and according to him, Mykarelli’s came from humble beginnings and the idea of opening the restaurant just popped up from the owners’ minds.
A group of friends used to indulge in late-night gatherings and drinking sessions. They were always disappointed when they would go to bars or pubs that usually close when they go to them and engage in these late-night meet ups. Because of this, they decided to rent an area at JR Borja Extension and utilize the space to turn it into some sort of a hang-out for them.
There, they can drink anytime they want and not very long they started to cook their “pulutan” there. Passers-by became curious with the food they grilled so later, they sold these grilled food to these passers-by turned customers.
One of the owners, Ms. Mags Acapulco loved to cook at home and her creations were delicious. This is when the group decided to finally open up a restaurant at the location they used to call as a simple hang-out place. The establishment was named “Mykarelli’s Grill”. It has been in business for 7 years now.
The Secret to their Success
What is the reason for the business’ staying power? They reached several years because they have hands-on owners and the owners handle their employees well. It is really true that when you take care of your employees, they in turn will take care of your business.
Brief History and Background
Why Mykarelli’s? The owners got the name from the two daughters of Jongcoy and Mags Acapulco who are; Julia Myka and Jiana Marelli.
The first branch located at JR Borja Extension officially opened their doors to the public on October 2010. Their 2nd branch at Lifestyle District opened in March 2013 and their 3rd branch also in Lifestyle District opened on May 2014.
Signature Dishes
Joel said that the food they serve at Mykarelli’s Grill are mostly Filipino dishes but they also infused a bit of International dishes to add variety to their menu.
Some of their best-sellers include; Chicken Inasal, Bulalo, Grilled Panga, Tuna Belly, Kinilaw, Baby Back Ribs, Pork Barbecue and Boodle Meals which come in two types, “Porky’s Best” and “Seafoods Boodle”.
For dessert, the best-sellers are the following; Buko Halo, Halo-Halo and Mango Tapioca.
Concept and Design
The design of the Lifestyle District branch was the idea of Lifestyle District’s architect. When it comes to the concept, it is a Filipino-themed restaurant that gives customers a relaxed and homey vibe. It’s like sitting at home and being excited to your mom’s home-cooked meals.
That’s because their foods are cooked with love, so much passion and they reflect on the foods’ taste. This is the main reason why many people keep coming back.
What Makes Them Better than the Rest
There are so many reasons why customers love Mykarelli’s Grill and these are just some of them:
- Their chicken and other dishes offered are more delicious than what other restaurants served. The manager is proud of their “Chicken Inasal” which he considers as one of the best in the city because it is so savory and not dry.
- They offer great customer service. The staffs are very attentive to their customer’s needs and always go beyond their duty to satisfy them.
- Mykarelli’s Grill has very affordable prices. I’m a foodie myself and I was shocked to find out that their food items actually cost less than other Filipino restaurants I’ve been to. It means that they do not overprice their products.
- The relaxed and warm atmosphere is something that really drags customers in. It is very calm, peaceful and inviting. It’s a place you can feel comfortable in.
Who Owns Mykarelli’s Grill?
It is actually a corporation between 4 good friends namely; Mags Acapulco, Jongcoy Acapulco, Joseph Sia and Joel Ang Rabanes.
Getting to Know the HR Manager
We were able to interview Mykarelli’s Grill’s Human Resource Manager whose name is “Joel Villar”. He’s been with the restaurant for 7 years now.
Joel was born and raised in Pagadian City but he studied college here in Cagayan de Oro at Liceo de Cagayan University taking up Tourism and Human Resource Management. He’s been here for 13 years now.
Although he had many jobs in the food industry in the past, he only stayed there for a couple of months but stayed at Mykarelli’s Grill the longest. He started from the ranks before arriving his Human Resource managerial role at the restaurant.
He’s not totally a food lover but he’s really hooked on Mykarelli’s Chicken Inasal and admitted to ordering this dish from time to time. Joel currently handles the two Mykarelli’s branches both in JR Borja Extension and the one at Lifestyle District.
Working the Mykarelli’s Grill Way
We asked him what it’s like to work at Mykarelli’s and we let him describe the work culture. According to him, all the employees in the two branches get along well with one another.
The staffs are close to one another and treat each other with mutual respect. The management is strict in implementing policies and gives out corresponding penalties should there be any who do not follow the rules.
Events, Operating Hours and Plans for the Future
Mykarelli’s Grill recently participated last month at Lifestyle District’s event which was the “Prohibition” foam party featuring popular DJ’s in the country and in Cdo.
Their operating hours are:
Lifestyle District Branch: 5 pm – 2 am
JR Borja Extension Branch: 10 am – 12 midnight
Contact Details
If you want to know more about Mykarelli’s Grill and would want to book reservations, you may reach them on the following contact information:
Facebook Page: Mykarelli’s Grill
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykarellisgrill/
Contact Numbers: 0933-865-0555/ 880-3905/880-1314
Mykarelli’s Grill delivers food and accepts catering services for all occasions at a very affordable price. Contact them at the details above for inquiries, orders and bookings.
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