Five decades later, under Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (SPAVI) and the Po family, it has evolved beyond pizza, anchoring one of the country’s largest food service groups.
From service crew to CEO
What started as a single-brand operation is now a publicly listed company with a diversified portfolio, acquiring Potato Corner, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, R&B Milk Tea, and Project Pie after going public in 2016.
“As a brand, Shakey’s defined what pizza parlors are all about – fun, family, pizza,” said Shakey’s Pizza president and CEO Vicente L. Gregorio, who rose through the ranks, starting as a service crew member in the 1980s before being chosen to lead the casual dining group in 2013.
“While it had its heyday in the 80s where it came to be known for live music and late-night crowds, it is and will always be a place where guests can get delicious pizza, enjoy good company with family and friends, and experience great service,” he said.
Global expansion
From 177 stores at the time of its initial public offering, the group now operates over 2,500 locations, including nearly 300 Shakey’s branches, with 20 percent of the network overseas.
Shakey’s remains the cornerstone brand of the group, leading dine-in and delivery innovations. It pioneered omnichannel ordering and developed one of the highest-rated food delivery apps in the country, now with 2.25 million downloads.
Loyalty a key driver
It also stands out as the only restaurant in Metro Manila with a 31-minute delivery guarantee, reinforcing its focus on service efficiency.
Loyalty programs have also played a role in its sustained growth. The Shakey’s Supercard, with over 2 million active users, strengthens customer retention and allows for data-driven engagement, helping the brand stay relevant amid shifting consumer preferences.
Beyond customer-facing strategies, operational initiatives have contributed to long-term stability.
The Project Near and Ready (Project Nerdy) program, which ensures store employees live within 30 minutes of their workplace, has reduced turnover and improved productivity. More than 80 percent of Shakey’s workforce benefits from this initiative, which has since expanded across other SPAVI brands.
