Tony Boy Escalante Hands Leadership of Antonio’s Group to the Next Generation

After nearly 25 years leading Antonio’s Group of Restaurants, chef-patron Antonio “Tony Boy” Escalante is stepping back from daily operations, entrusting the business to a leadership team that will oversee its continued growth while he focuses on strategic direction.

The founder will step back from the day-to-day operations of the group’s renowned Tagaytay restaurants, assuming a strategic oversight role that will allow him to focus on the long-term culinary and business direction of the company while continuing to mentor its chefs and creative teams. The transition comes as Antonio’s Group appoints a new leadership team tasked with guiding the next phase of growth for one of the country’s best-known restaurant brands.

“This isn’t about stepping away from what I love,” shares Tony Boy Escalante. “It’s about creating the space for the next generation to lead while I focus on the bigger picture.”

Leading that next generation is Basti Escalante, who has been appointed Director of Business Development. Already overseeing the group’s Metro Manila restaurant and retail concepts, he will continue expanding the brand by identifying opportunities that align with Antonio’s long-term vision.

“Our promise of thoughtful hospitality, exceptional food, and genuine service hasn’t changed,” says Basti Escalante. “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. We want every guest who walks through our doors to experience the same care and excellence that Antonio’s has always been known for, even as we continue to evolve for a new generation.”

Joining him is Executive Chef AC Agra, who now oversees the group’s culinary operations. Having spent years working in Australia’s fine-dining industry, Agra will lead menu development, maintain culinary standards, and mentor the next generation of chefs across the group’s portfolio.

Completing the leadership team is Patricia Benedicto, appointed Director of Brand and Food and Beverage, where she will oversee brand development, concept creation, and food-and-beverage initiatives to ensure each guest experience reflects Antonio’s longstanding commitment to quality and hospitality.

Founded in 2002 with the opening of Antonio’s in Tagaytay, the group has grown into one of the Philippines’ defining hospitality brands. Alongside Antonio’s, destinations such as Breakfast at Antonio’s and Balay Dako have helped establish Tagaytay as one of the country’s premier culinary destinations, while Metro Manila concepts including Azela and Pedro the Grocer have expanded the brand’s reach.

Its flagship restaurant has also earned international recognition through inclusion in the Michelin Guide, further cementing Antonio’s reputation for understated luxury, exceptional cuisine, and gracious Filipino hospitality.

More information on Antonio’s Group of Restaurants here.