Antonio Sebastian Escalante was only in his early twenties when he began charting his own course within one of the Philippines’ most respected restaurant groups.
Now 28, the Ateneo de Manila University Management graduate is leading the Antonio’s Group’s expansion into Metro Manila—not by replicating what his father, celebrated restaurateur Tonyboy Escalante, has built, but by finding opportunities that complement it.
How Basti Escalante Found His Own Place in the Antonio’s Legacy
Like many second-generation entrepreneurs, Escalante initially wanted to establish an identity separate from his family’s business. “During my teenage years, I was eager to forge my own path,” he says. Surprisingly, the pandemic presented that opportunity. As restaurants struggled and grocery stores remained open, he launched Pedro The Grocer, a concept built around Antonio’s signature house-made products that allowed customers to bring the brand’s experience into their own homes.
The project became more than a timely response to the challenges of lockdown. It marked Antonio’s Group’s strategic expansion into Metro Manila and served as Escalante’s introduction to the business. Rather than simply stepping into an established role, he pitched the concept himself and built the brand from the ground up under his father’s mentorship.
“Many expected me to simply inherit my father’s legacy,” he says. “But I recognized that his shoes would be difficult to fill. He is, after all, the visionary artist behind the brand.”
Instead of trying to emulate him, Escalante chose to create something that could stand on its own while naturally fitting within the Antonio’s ecosystem.
The Next Generation Behind Antonio’s Growth
Over the past four years, he has focused on business development and operations for the group’s Manila concepts, overseeing Pedro The Grocer while spearheading the expansion of Azela by Balay Dako and working closely with his father on the company’s long-term growth strategy. Beyond day-to-day operations, he is helping transition Antonio’s from what he describes as a traditional boutique operation into a professionally managed corporation capable of sustainable expansion.
That growth shows no signs of slowing. This year alone, the group is opening several new locations, including Azela by Balay Dako’s third branch in SM Nuvali, an upgraded Pedro The Grocer in the same development, a new Rockwell location, and an upcoming concept at Opus Mall featuring a rooftop bar.
Despite taking on a leadership role, Escalante remains grounded in the values that made Antonio’s one of the country’s most respected dining destinations. Working alongside his father continues to be both a privilege and a challenge, requiring a careful balance between preserving the brand’s legacy and introducing new ideas that keep it relevant.
“My motivation stems from a commitment to uphold the values and standards he established,” he says. “It’s about balancing innovation while preserving the experience Antonio’s Group is known for.”
For Escalante, success isn’t measured by stepping out of his father’s shadow, but by guaranteeing that the Antonio’s name continues to evolve without jeopardizing the qualities that made it iconic in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basti Escalante is the 28-year-old second-generation leader helping drive Antonio’s Group’s expansion and Manila operations.
Basti Escalante is 28 years old.
His father is Tonyboy Escalante, the celebrated restaurateur and visionary behind Antonio’s Group.
He focuses on business development and operations for the group’s Manila concepts and helps oversee its long-term growth strategy.
He oversees Pedro The Grocer and has helped spearhead the expansion of Azela by Balay Dako, among other Manila concepts.
Yes. The group is expanding with new locations and concepts across Metro Manila and nearby developments.
