Charles Teves
American model-actor Ryan Kolton is now officially in the food business.
He partnered up with fellow actor Ken Chan to open Cafe Claus, the first Christmas-themed restaurant in the country located on Tandang Sora, Quezon City.
Kolton said it took around three years of planning before they decided to open. The vision for the business is a “home away from home.”
“No matter what happens outside, no matter how down you feel, whenever you come through our doors, you can be comforted by the things that remind you of home.” he said during an interview, a month after the establishment opened.
Customers are greeted with Christmas lights. On one side is a fully decorated Christmas tree. Just behind are books on a shelf that are also for sale.
A specialty of Cafe Claus is Roasting on an Open Fire—a roasted chicken recipe Kolton learned from his grandmother.
“When customers taste that, they’re tasting not just a roasted chicken, they’re tasting history, and love, and memories.
Chan and Kolton knew they were taking a risk by starting something unique but that’s exactly what they wanted.
“You’re able to do something different. You’re able to impact the community in a fresh and new way while introducing them to something that they love and hold dear.”
One of the main goals of the restaurant is to promote the importance of family among its customers.
“Christmas attacks the heart. It’s deeply cherished. It’s us essentially doing it in honor of the family. This is a family first environment,” he said.
“This is my love letter for my family.”
Kolton also said that if everything goes smoothly, six more branches will have been opened when 2022 concludes which includes a hotel in Antipolo and a farm concept in Tagaytay.
