After nearly 25 years at the helm, founder Tony Boy Escalante is stepping back from daily operations as Antonio’s Group introduces a new leadership team to guide its next phase of growth.
After nearly 25 years leading Antonio’s Group, founder and chef-patron Tony Boy Escalante is transitioning away from day-to-day operations, ushering in a new leadership team that will guide one of the country’s most respected hospitality groups into its next chapter. While stepping into a strategic oversight role, Tony Boy will continue shaping the group’s long-term business and culinary direction while mentoring its culinary and design teams.
“This isn’t about stepping away from what I love,” Tony Boy said. “It’s about creating the space for the next generation to lead while I focus on the bigger picture.”
What began with the iconic Antonio’s in Tagaytay has since grown into a hospitality group whose portfolio now includes Antonio’s, Breakfast at Antonio’s, and Balay Dako in Tagaytay, alongside Breakfast at Antonio’s, Azela, and Pedro the Grocer in Metro Manila. As the Group enters its next phase of growth, Basti Escalante, Executive Chef AC Agra, and Patricia Benedicto will take on key leadership roles across the business.
As Basti puts it, the focus is on honoring what came before while preparing for the future. “Our promise of thoughtful hospitality, exceptional food, and genuine service hasn’t changed,” he said. “As we take on greater responsibility for the restaurants my father built, our focus is on honoring that legacy while thoughtfully preparing Antonio’s Group for the future.”
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The Next Generation Of Antonio’s Group
The next chapter of Antonio’s Group will be shaped by a leadership team with expertise spanning business development, culinary operations, and brand experience.
Basti Escalante Leads Business Development
As Director of Business Development, Basti Escalante will oversee the continued expansion of Antonio’s Group restaurant and retail concepts in Metro Manila. Already serving as managing partner of the Group’s Manila businesses, he will focus on identifying new opportunities that support the brand’s long-term vision.
Executive Chef AC Agra Oversees Culinary Operations
Executive Chef AC Agra will lead the group’s culinary operations, drawing on years of experience in Australia’s fine-dining and hospitality industry. Alongside maintaining the standards Antonio’s is known for, he will champion culinary innovation and help mentor the next generation of chefs.
Patricia Benedicto Steers Brand And Guest Experience
As Director of Brand and Food & Beverage, Patricia Benedicto will oversee brand development, concept creation, and food-and-beverage initiatives across Antonio’s Group, helping ensure each concept continues to reflect the warmth, authenticity, and quality that define the brand.
Photography by JL Javier, courtesy of Antonio’s Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Tony Boy Escalante is stepping back from day-to-day operations and into a strategic oversight role. Antonio’s Group’s next chapter will be led by Basti Escalante, Executive Chef AC Agra, and Patricia Benedicto, who will oversee business development, culinary operations, and brand and food & beverage, respectively.
Yes. Although he is no longer handling daily operations, Tony Boy Escalante will continue to guide Antonio’s Group’s long-term business and culinary direction while mentoring its culinary and design teams.
Antonio’s Group’s portfolio includes Antonio’s, Breakfast at Antonio’s, and Balay Dako in Tagaytay, as well as Breakfast at Antonio’s, Azela, and Pedro the Grocer in Metro Manila.
Basti Escalante has been appointed Director of Business Development. He will lead the continued growth and expansion of Antonio’s Group’s restaurant and retail concepts, particularly in Metro Manila, while identifying new opportunities for the business.
Tony Boy Escalante is the chef-patron and founder of Antonio’s Group. He opened Antonio’s in Tagaytay in 2002, laying the foundation for what has grown into one of the Philippines’ most respected hospitality groups, with restaurants and food concepts in both Tagaytay and Metro Manila.
