Cibo successors uphold Margarita Fores’ legacy
A bright light in the culinary world suddenly went out that morning of Feb. 11 when celebrated chef and restaurateur Margarita Araneta Fores passed away unexpectedly.
The flourishing Cibo restaurant group that she set up back in 1997 is devastated by the loss of their 65-year-old leader, but it is not about to fade away anytime soon.
That is because Fores had finalized a succession plan when the group turned 25 years old, such that while grieving, her family members and longtime associates are more than ready to carry on her legacy.
Edgar Allan Caper, a multiawarded marketing professional, will continue to steer operations. He was elevated to chief operating officer (COO) in 2022 after serving as Fores’ chief of staff for a year.
Then expected to take on more responsibilities on the culinary side is Jorge Mendez, a Tatler Rising Chef Awardee for 2023 who had worked side-by-side with Fores as Cibo executive chef and director for research and development. He will take on the role of culinary innovation director at Cibo.
Her siblings Oye and Bledes Fores-Legarda sit as managing directors and joining them is Fores’ son Amado, himself a celebrated restaurateur. He joins his cousin, Mercedes Fores, who joined the group last year as chief marketing officer.
Oye, who is also chief financial officer (CFO) of the expanding group, has said that his sister decided to put professionals in top management as she believes that an executive position is not a birthright but one that is earned.
“[The company] is further strengthened when the professionals share the same core values of the business owners. We at Cibo are lucky to have such a team,” Oye says.
‘Seamless transition’
The late Fores’ trust in her professional management team has not been in vain as over the past years, Cibo has only moved from strength to strength.
Last year, its top line surged by 32 percent to hit P1.3 billion, with revenues coming mainly from a restaurant group that hit 32 branches at the end of 2024.
This year, the chain is expected to grow even further with gross revenues targeted to hit P1.7 billion from 38 branches.
This puts Cibo on track to reaching its goal to have 50 restaurants with combined gross revenues of at least P2.5 billion within the next two to three years.
Indeed, Cibo remains on expansion mode and Cibo’s partners are confident that those Fores left behind are more than up to the task of moving the group forward, guided by her vision and the memory of her passion for good food and excellent customer service.
Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, says that the group recognizes how Fores was “very intentional in ensuring a seamless transition of leadership; at the time, anticipating her slowing down and future retirement.”
Tan says having so many close family members at the helm was no coincidence as they “best understand the provenance and the vision that Margarita had amassed in 28 years of Cibo’s illustrious existence.”
“SM Supermalls respects their commitment to continue the Cibo legacy, and has the utmost trust in their understanding of what this period entails, as it was Margarita herself who took on the mantle of putting succession and continuity in place,” Tan says.
Alliance Global Group CEO Kevin Tan shares the same view, saying that he is comforted knowing that Fores left with the peace of mind that everything she built would continue to flourish under the leadership she trusted and believed in.
Tan, who last spoke to her during the visit of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, says that Fores was especially happy with her management team—Oye Fores, Bledes Fores-Legarda, Edgar Allan Caper, Chef Jorge Mendez, Mercedes Fores—who continue to uphold the values and excellence that she had instilled.
“I have no doubt that they will honor Margarita’s vision and carry it forward with the same dedication and passion,” he adds.
Robina Gokongwei-Pe of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.likewise expresses confidence in the ability of the successors to carry on Fores’ legacy, saying that she is “certain that Cibo’s future is bright, and its tradition of excellence will continue to flourish and inspire.”
Ayala Corp., Ayala Land and Ayala Malls have also expressed their unwavering support for the group and is confident that the group has been left in good hands.
“We will continue to celebrate Margarita’s extraordinary legacy. We are certain that the story and success of Cibo will continue forward,” says Ayala Corp. chair Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and the other top leaders of the Ayala group.
“We have no doubt that this next chapter will bring continued growth and success for Cibo,” the group adds.
Gone but not forgotten
Chef Mendez is fully aware of the weight of responsibility thrust upon his shoulders but he believes that he was prepared by Fores herself. He has also committed to continue her legacy.
“We remain steadfast in honoring the foundation she built while embracing the evolving tastes of a new generation – just as she always envisioned,” he says, “Her creativity and spirit will continue to inspire everything we do, ensuring that her influence lives on in every dish, every experience and every moment shared at Cibo.”
Caper, who has worked alongside Fores for 10 years, made the same commitment and ensures the staff, officers and especially the customers of Cibo that Fores may be gone but she will be ever present.
“We are ready. Her legacy lives on – not just in the food we serve, but in the people she nurtured, the standards she set and the mission she entrusted to us. We will carry her vision forward, making life and living more beautiful and delicious for others,” he says.
“And so, we move forward – not without her, but because of her,” Caper adds.
