Chi-Chi's makes its debut in Indonesia<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): When it comes to satisfying gastronomic needs,
\nJakartans are quick to embrace new ideas. A recent testimony to
\nthis is the opening of a new Mexican restaurant in Kemang, South
\nJakarta.<\/p>\n
As the staple food of Mexico is rice, there is practically no
\ngastronomical barrier to worry about when trying out Mexican
\nfare.<\/p>\n
Already a number of Mexican or Tex-Mex (Texas Mexican)
\nrestaurants operate in Jakarta under such names as Chilis, Amigos
\nand Mexicana. Even TGI Friday's serves Tex-Mex cuisine.<\/p>\n
Noticing the favorable response to Mexican dishes, PT Berkah
\nManca Boga, a subsidiary of Kodel Group, is now operating a USA-
\nbased Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurante in Kemang.<\/p>\n
Kodel Group, which invested around Rp 3 billion (US$1,3
\nmillion) for the first Chi-Chi's outlet in Southeast Asia and the
\n225th in the world, not only obtained a franchise to manage Chi-
\nChi's Restaurantes in Indonesia but also in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n
Founded in 1976, Chi-Chi's Restaurantes operate in numerous
\ncountries including Kuwait, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, Canada
\nand the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n
K.A. Hidayat, president of PT Berkah Manca Boga, said recently
\nthat his company is considering 10 other locations in Indonesia,
\nsuch as Bandung, Surabaya and Bali, as well as several others in
\nSingapore and Kuala Lumpur.<\/p>\n
\"Since this is our first outlet, we should wait until we're
\nsure what to do first. Our target is to get to the break event
\npoint within two years and to open other outlets in Jakarta,\"
\nHidayat said.<\/p>\n
He added that Kemang, their first choice, is a strategic and
\npromising location considering that the area is now growing into
\na spot for restaurants.<\/p>\n
Familiar<\/p>\n
\"Mexican food tastes familiar to Indonesian. Besides, in this
\narea (Kemang), there are many Americans, who are known to like
\nMexican cuisine, so I am sure this restaurant will work,\" Hidayat
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Kodel's chairman for trade, industry and investment division
\nSoegeng Sarjadi expressed his optimism over the food business,
\nsaying that Chi-Chi's cantinas will soon be set up in many
\ncorners of Jakarta and other big cities.<\/p>\n
Prices are more or less comparative to other middle-class
\nrestaurants in Jakarta. Guests may expect to pay around Rp 30,000
\nto Rp 35,000 per person, said Hidayat.<\/p>\n
Fajitas, nachos, tacos, grilled burrito, burro and
\nchimichangas are available here. One type of special beverages is
\nNada (an abbreviation of non-alcoholic drinks) which features
\nNada Rita, a Mexican Margarita minus the alcohol.<\/p>\n
Chicken El Paso, which I had on my visit to the restaurant,
\nwas a big portion served attractively with rice and cheese.
\nUnfortunately, it was too salty.<\/p>\n
My friends had Grilled Tengiri and Chicken Trio and also said
\ntheir accompanying rice was too salty.<\/p>\n
Mexican Fried Ice Cream is also on the menu.<\/p>\n
To standardize food and service quality, experienced trainers
\nof Chi-Chi's restaurantes trained local employees. A computerized
\norder system is also used to speed up service.<\/p>\n
\"Timing is paramount to us. Our target is to serve tortilla
\nchips only 45 seconds after a guest is seated, the first drink in
\nfive minutes and a meal in 12,\" said Terrance A. Smith, president
\nof Chi-Chi's Restaurante International.<\/p>\n
Friendly service plays a major role too, said Smith.<\/p>\n
\"From the time you enter the restaurant, you'll be greeted in
\na friendly way by our waiters and waitresses,\" promised Smith.<\/p>\n
However, when a waitress spilled my margarita and a friend's
\nLa Brisa Nada on my dress, my bag and my friend's clothes only a
\nfew minutes before Smith's statement, she didn't bother offering
\nan apology. Only later, a lady came to apologize. And instead of
\ngetting us new drinks, we were left without any drinks for almost
\n20 minutes. Finally, when we were asked if we wanted new drinks,
\nwe were too discouraged to try the appealing margarita. (als)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/chi-chis-makes-its-debut-in-indonesia-1447893297",
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