From a humble night market stall in Divisoria to 850 outlets nationwide, Shawarma Shack — the Philippines’ largest shawarma chain — has taken its first bold step onto the global stage. The beloved Filipino brand officially opened its first international store in Singapore’s Toa Payoh HDB Hub on July 30, marking a major milestone as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
A second outlet is already scheduled to open in Poiz Centre, Potong Pasir this October, with plans for at least five self-owned stores in Singapore within the next 12 months. Founder and CEO Walther Buenavista says the move is part of a bigger vision to make Shawarma Shack a global brand.
“Ang ganda talaga ng experience namin sa Singapore,” Buenavista says. “Dahil sa straightforward na regulations at efficient na mga tao at kumpanya, lahat ng kailangan naming infrastructure para ma-set up ang business, natapos lang within a few weeks.”
From Divisoria Night Market to Global Ambition
Shawarma Shack’s journey began in 2015, when Buenavista and his wife Patricia started selling freshly made shawarmas at a night market in Divisoria, Manila. Their goal was simple: to serve warm, hearty, and affordable meals for busy Filipinos.
“Ako at ang wife kong si Patricia, gusto naming mag-offer ng warm at enjoyable na quick meals na may great value para sa kapwa natin kababayan, para hindi na nila problemahin ang araw araw na gastos for lunch,” Buenavista says. “Pinili naming magbenta ng shawarma kasi complete at healthy meal na siya — may meat at fresh vegetables, madali pa gawin at kainin. Perfect talaga siya bilang food concept para sa mall-based stall. Hindi namin in-expect na yung simple naming food idea, ganito kalaki ang magiging success.”
By April 2018, Shawarma Shack had opened its 100th store. Less than a year later, it had 400 outlets. “Dahil sa sobrang bilis ng expansion, kailangan naming mag-invest agad sa central kitchen, technology, at professional staff para tuloy-tuloy kaming makapagbigay ng masarap na shawarma at great value,” sabi ni Buenavista. “Ang nakakatuwa, sa loob ng last 5 years, halos every 2 days may bago kaming outlet na nabubuksan!”
A Filipino Brand That Became a Household Name
Today, Shawarma Shack has over 1,000 employees and 850 outlets across the country, serving more than 120,000 meals daily. The brand’s popularity surged even more in 2018 when celebrity endorsers Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo became its ambassadors, cementing its place in the hearts of Filipino consumers.
Why Singapore Was the First Step Abroad
Shawarma Shack had been exploring overseas expansion for two years, including talks with U.S. companies, but Buenavista chose to launch in Singapore first.
“Ito ang pinaka-suitable na country sa Asia para sa proof of concept galing sa Pilipinas,” Buenavista explains. “Kapag naging successful ang Singapore, malayo ang mararating ng Shawarma Shack — madaragdagan pa ng maraming stores sa buong mundo at magiging second headquarters namin ang Singapore.”
Bringing Filipino Shawarmas to the Lion City
Shawarma Shack Singapore will offer the same hearty menu beloved in the Philippines, with slight local adjustments. Customers can enjoy signature Wraps, Rice Meals, and Salad Boxes with chicken or beef, plus sides like Sloppy Fries, Potato Popcorn, and Original Shawarma Nachos. Prices start from S$5.90, while the Classic Broasted Chicken Rice (S$10.90) is expected to be a hit. Health-conscious diners can opt for Light and Loaded Combos.
A Global Vision Rooted in Filipino Pride
For Buenavista, this expansion is more than just business growth — it’s about showcasing Filipino entrepreneurship on the global stage.
“Umaasa kami na magugustuhan ng mga Singaporean ang shawarma namin at looking forward kami sa isang long and meaningful na journey kasama ang mga Singaporean landlords, staff, partners, at suppliers — at para magamit ang expertise ng Singapore para mas mabilis kaming makapag-expand sa region,” he says.
As Shawarma Shack plants its flag in Singapore, it carries the flavors and entrepreneurial spirit of the Philippines, proving that a local brand can compete — and thrive — on the world stage.
