The Moment Group Launches Flagship Restaurants at SM City Cebu

Cebu City, Philippines – The Moment Group, a prominent player in the Philippine dining scene, is set to make a significant entry into Cebu with the inauguration of five flagship restaurants at SM City Cebu from June 18 to 25, 2025. This expansion includes well-known dining concepts – Manam, Ooma, 8Cuts Burgers, Mo’ Cookies, and Din Tai Fung – all housed in a dedicated area called "The Moment Block" within the bustling mall.

The rollout will commence with Manam on June 18, celebrated for its innovative takes on Filipino comfort food. Signature dishes such as Crispy Pancit Palabok and Ube + Sago Shake are expected to attract both locals and visitors alike. Following this, Ooma will open on June 19, known for its modern Japanese cuisine featuring items like Aburi Maki Rolls and Hanger Steak.

On June 24, 8Cuts Burgers will debut, bringing its custom-blended patties and unique burger creations to the Cebu market. Mo’ Cookies, which specializes in palm-sized cookies, will also open on that date, offering flavors like Dark Chocolate Macadamia. The grand opening will culminate with Din Tai Fung on June 25, an internationally recognized Taiwanese restaurant famed for its Pork Xiaolongbao.

Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls, expressed enthusiasm about the opening, stating, “It has always been our goal to further elevate the local dining scene with beloved world-class dining concepts that Cebuanos can now call their own.”

This strategic move comes as part of a broader trend where national dining groups are expanding their footprint beyond Metro Manila. The Moment Group's foray into Cebu reflects a growing appetite for diverse culinary experiences in the region, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Maria Santos, an economist at the University of the Philippines, who noted that “Cebu’s increasing prominence as a culinary hub is indicative of the city’s evolving economy and demographic trends.”

The food landscape in Cebu has seen substantial growth in recent years, with numerous establishments competing to offer unique dining experiences. According to a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority published in 2024, the food service sector in the Visayas region has grown by over 15% annually. This growth is supported by rising disposable incomes and an increasing number of tourists visiting Cebu.

In recent years, the influx of dining brands into Cebu has not only diversified the local food scene but has also created new job opportunities. According to industry analyst, John Reyes, CEO of Food Trends Consulting, “The entry of established brands like The Moment Group enhances the competitive landscape, leading to better quality and service in the restaurant sector.”

The arrival of these dining concepts at SM City Cebu is also poised to benefit the mall itself, which has faced stiff competition from emerging retail centers. The strategic location and reputation of The Moment Group are expected to draw significant foot traffic, enhancing the overall shopping experience at SM City Cebu.

As The Moment Group opens its restaurants, the impact will likely extend beyond immediate consumer satisfaction, contributing positively to Cebu's reputation as a gastronomic destination and further stimulating economic activity in the region. The anticipated success of this expansion will set a precedent for other dining groups contemplating similar moves into the burgeoning Cebu market.

Looking forward, the continued expansion of national dining brands into regional markets suggests a promising trend for the Philippine food service industry, fostering innovation, diversity, and economic growth in cities like Cebu.