Cebu-based restaurant Zubuchon announced that it will officially bid farewell to its customers in Manila this August.

The management of Zubuchon shared the unfortunate news in a post on its official Facebook page.

“It's time to move on… Zubuchon will be closing down its huge commissary and all restaurant branches in Manila this August,” it said.

Zubuchon is best known for its all-natural lechon or stuffed and roasted pig, and local dishes such as pusit with sisig, lechon pancit, dinuguan made with lechon meat, and many more.

The Zubuchon management said that their decision to discontinue expansion in Manila was pushed by the drastic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the threat of African swine fever (ASF) on their home-grown lechon, high prices of the commodity, and other issues.

According to Zubuchon, the branches in Manila that are scheduled to be closed are as follows:

• Zubuchon in Southmall, Las Piñas City - August 13

• Zubuchon in Centris, Quezon City - August 18

• Zubuchon in The Rise, Makati City - August 25

• Zubuchon in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong - August 28

But the restaurant management said all of their branches in Cebu will continue to operate.

“[W]e hope to continue expanding there,” it added.

The Zubuchon management said their crew has been placed in other good positions prior to the closure announcement.

“Drop by one of our branches soon to grab that last Zubuchon meal in Manila,” the restaurant encouraged its loyal customers.

"Or we'll see you in Cebu sometime soon! Thank you for your patronage over the years" it added.