Shawarma Shack’s CEO, Walther Buenavista, who has been regarded as one of the most successful millennial entrepreneurs in the Philippines today, also dubbed as the “Godfather of Shawarma,” is now one of the “Rising Tigers and Nation Builders in Asia.”
Together with him, receiving the award and present in the event, are the other awardees such as David Ackerman of StratDev (Founder & CEO); Tristan Cabreram, Esports Pro Player; Atty. Arnel Mate of ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting Inc. (Founder & CEO); DTI Sec. Alfredo Pascual; DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos; Yu Ming Chin of Viventis Asia (Founder and CEO); Blanca Mercado of The Manila Times (President & COO); France Ambassador H. E., Michèle Boccoz; Romania Ambassador H. E. Răduţa Dana Matache; Congresswoman Margarita Nograles; Congressman Duke Frasco; Jessica Bellen of Jessy & Co. (Founder & CEO); Nino Rovillos of Illos Party Trays (Founder & CEO); Ramon Garcia Jr of DFNN (Chairman); Michael Pacquiao, Rapper; Mutya ng Pilipinas 2022 Iona Gibbs; and COMELEC Chairman, George Erwin Mojica Garcia.
They were regarded as the “Captains from different Industries” in the Philippines and in Asia in an event held at the majestic The Manila Hotel last March 30, 2023. Also gracing the said event is Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares as the keynote speaker. They are the men and women who are making a difference for this generation and making an impact in the society not just because of their success in the company they are in but in reaching out to the indigents and marginalized.
Walther Buenavista founded Shawarma Shack, now a household name and the home of “Buy One, Take One Shawarma”, a strategy born out of perseverance and dedication which soon became an established trademark in the Philippine food franchise industry.
A forward-looking business entrepreneur, Walther started his business with a clear goal – to bring the classic Mediterranean snack closer and more affordable to customers and help provide livelihood to fellow Filipinos. This desire, coupled with assertiveness, is his motivation to further expand his business and put up stores in some of the key locations across the country which now has more than 750 branches.
Walther invested in his product’s presentation by innovating his production facility. The company’s modern and state-of-the-art commissary is one of the many innovations that he is proud of, contributing to his company as he wants to make sure his product is of good quality.
Prior to receiving this recognition, Walther was also conferred the “Rising Tigers People To Watch 2023” award as well as the “The Franchise Company of the Year- Local Category”. His efforts in helping fellow countrymen during the Covid-19 pandemic and in helping the victims of different typhoons was also recognized by the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police by creating a company’s program “Shawarma Shack Cares”.
Walther always guides himself in his overall goal of increasing the success of the company’s growth as well as continuous technological development in terms of innovation and bring countless employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to the Filipino people.