Anthony and Rossel Taberna write new chapter in food and hospitality

Inside a bustling commercial kitchen in Quezon City, the scent of freshly baked breads and simmering local comfort food tells a story far removed from the high-stakes world of morning news and broadcast commentary.

For media personality Anthony “Ka Tunying” Taberna and his wife, Rossel, the transition from television screens to the culinary industry has been deliberate, driven by a desire to build a lasting enterprise that goes beyond their media origins.

The couple’s Taberna Group of Companies recently rolled out the welcome mat at the Metro Tent in Pasig City, hosting its first industry open house to showcase four core ventures: KaTunying’s, Taste of the Town, Kumbachero Food Corp. and Outbox Media.

Rather than a hard pitch for investors, the gathering offered a transparent look inside an evolving family-run business that now employs about 250 people.

“This is a sort of inviting people to invest in us, to partner with us,” Anthony Taberna said, describing the expansion as a calculated step forward to secure the livelihoods of the workers who form the backbone of the company’s operations.

Growing roots in comfort food

At the heart of the group’s culinary footprint is KaTunying’s, known for its hearty Filipino breakfast fare and neighborhood-style hospitality. With seven brick-and-mortar branches and 10 distinct business units, the brand has steadily carved out a niche in the local casual dining scene.

Behind the scenes, Kumbachero Food Corp. serves as the engine room. Operating major commissaries in Nueva Ecija and Quezon City, the production arm supplies not only KaTunying’s cafes but also external small cafes, convenience stores, and distribution centers. By offering white-label and private-label products, toll manufacturing, and a reseller program, Kumbachero has quietly positioned itself as a behind-the-scenes player in the broader food supply chain.

For aspiring entrepreneurs without a background in hospitality, the group is introducing the Mrs. T Cafe concept. The model is designed to lower the barrier to entry for prospective operators by centralizing product supply and operational requirements.

Meanwhile, Taste of the Town caters to weddings and corporate gatherings, and Outbox Media handles event production, content creation, and artist management, rounding out a diverse portfolio that blends hospitality with media arts.

Adapting to a changing landscape

Growing a multi-faceted enterprise is rarely without hurdles. The Tabernas are candid about the growing pains of adopting new technologies and managing personnel across expanding operations.

To bridge the gap, the company established an in-house information technology unit aimed at helping staff navigate digital systems and modern workflows.

“The entire system should adapt. You have to teach people,” Anthony said, noting that businesses risk falling behind if they fail to innovate.

On the hiring front, Rossel emphasized that corporate culture begins with human values. The company prioritizes character and a willingness to learn just as much as traditional professional experience.

Looking ahead

Amid the conversations about commissary logistics, cafe models, and market research, questions inevitably turn to the horizon beyond business. With the political landscape shifting ahead of the 2028 elections, Anthony acknowledged that he continues to receive offers to enter public office.

For now, however, his focus remains firmly anchored on his work in journalism, commentary and growing the family enterprise alongside his wife.

For the Tabernas, their next big story isn’t being broadcasted on television — it’s being served on a plate.