Sizzling Success: Ken Chan expands career from the screen to the steakhouse
One of GMA’s dependable actors who can rake in views, Ken Chan seems to always be a hit with target audiences no matter what role he takes on. His shows are usually high-rating and he has become a real asset to the network. But Ken isn’t just a talented actor. In the past few years, the Kapuso leading man has also successfully ventured into businesses. He has started exploring entrepreneurship, showing off his impressive skills and drive. Just last Saturday, Random Republika witnessed Ken in action firsthand at the opening celebration of his new restaurant.
Known these days for his role as Doc Lyndon in GMA Afternoon Prime’s long-running teleserye Abot Kamay Na Pangarap, Ken has successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship and film production. His latest venture, Deer Claus Steakhouse & Restaurant, is a reimagined version of his previous business venture, Cafe Claus.
Ken with his lovely mom
Why steakhouse?
Ken explained, “’Yung Cafe Claus, hindi siya steakhouse, eh. Gusto namin i-rebrand ang Cafe Claus kasi kapag cafe, nalilimitahan siya. Nalilimitahan ‘yung menu. Gusto namin siyang maging full restaurant at nag-focus kami sa steak kasi I love steak, my business partners love steak, and my family loves steak.” Ken continued by saying that he retained some of the menu items from Cafe Claus in this new establishment, referring to their menu as a fusion. “Pinagsama namin ‘yung Filipino food tapos meron ding Western food and ang ipinagmamalaki namin ang steaks namin na galing pang Australia. ‘Yung quality ng steaks, ‘yung lasa, ‘yung alat at linamnam talagang mabusising pinag-aralan ng chefs natin,” he said.
Fellow Sparkle artists and real-life couple Bianca Umali and Ruru Madrid came to support Ken at his restaurant’s launch
The joy of being a restaurateur
For Ken, the joy of running a restaurant comes from seeing his customers happy. “Isa sa joys na nakukuha namin sa pagbuo ng restaurant is ‘yung masayang umuuwi ang mga customers.” He gushed over the fact that some customers return with friends and families. “Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na hindi lang sila customers, para sa kanila ‘yung restaurant na pinupuntahan nila nagiging second home na nila. Kaya ni-retain namin ‘yung homey feel, ‘yung feel ng Pasko.” Ken shared how much he loves the spirit and feels of the Christmas season.
KenJill for real
Abot Kamay Na Pangarap lead star and Ken’s loveteam partner, Jillian Ward, also came to support Ken
Ken and Abot Kamay Na Pangarap’s lead actress Jillian Ward captured a fanbase with their onscreen chemistry in the series. Good news! The two are set to star in a love story directed by Louie Ignacio. The movie will be shot in Taiwan, although scheduling has been a challenge due to Jillian’s commitments. Ken shared, “Dahil sa sobrang busy ni Jillian sa Abot Kamay, talagang challenging sa amin na hanapan siya ng schedule pero nakapag-usap na ang Wide International Film at ang management ni Jillian.” Ken and Jillian are both handled by Sparkle GMA Artist Center. “Lilipad kami by August sa Taiwan,” Ken excitedly revealed.
From business owner to producer
In addition to acting, Ken has also started dabbling in movie production. He produced Papa Mascot, directed by Louie Ignacio, which earned Ignacio the Best Director award at the FAMAS. Now, Ken is excited about producing a girl love (GL) story starring Rhian Ramos and Glaiza de Castro. He said, “Naghahanap kami ng theme song para dito kasi mahalaga talaga sa amin ang theme song. We’re looking for some OPM songs na ’90s, ‘yun kasi ang bagay sa istorya. I’m really excited sa GL na gagawin nilang dalawa kasi alam naman natin na nag-click ‘yung tandem nila sa The Rich Man’s Daughter, maraming mga fans ang nakaka-miss sa Rastro. Wala kaming ibang artista na inisip maliban sa kanilang dalawa.” Rhian and Glaiza gained a following as they portrayed a girl-to-girl tandem in a GMA primetime series in 2015. Their upcoming movie will be directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo.
The wind beneath Ken’s wings
How does he do it all? Balancing a thriving career in showbiz and multiple business ventures is not easy, but Ken manages it with the help of his supportive family. He explained, “Masuwerte ako may pamilyang tumutulong sa akin sa business tapos pagdating naman sa trabaho, wala tayong magagawa dyan eh. Once na pumirma ka ng kontrata, hindi ka pwede mag-no ng schedule na naka-plot na ng management. So kapag wala akong shootings and tapings, talagang nandito ako sa mga branches ng Deer Claus. Minsan tatakbo ako ng Bataan kasi may mga branches ako doon o kaya Lipa, Batangas, Batangas City ,or Siargao.” As if that is not enough, Ken is also running his own franchises of a gasoline station brand. But one thing’s for sure, he makes time for those who truly matter. “Kapag walang tapings, binibisita ko ‘yung mga branches and mine-make sure ko na meron akong time sa pamilya ko,” he said.
Check out some photos of Deer Claus here. It is located at Scout Limbaga Street, corner 11th Jamboree Street, Quezon City.
