MAMA GIE Fastfood counter started in 1980 managed and operated by Spouses Alfredo E. Costales (deceased) and Virginia P. Costales. The name “MAMA GIE” was derived from Virginia’s nickname Virgie or Gie for short and was widely known to friends and peers as “MAMA GIE”. Being both food enthusiasts, Alfredo an Ilokano with a keen business acumen and Virgie, a Kapampangan who is regarded by many as an excellent cook initially put up a Snacks Fastfood Counter at F. Ramos Street in Cebu City serving Kapampangan Snacks delights: like the PANCIT PALABOK, FRESH LUMPIA, DINUGUAN WITH PUTO, GUINATA-AN BILO BILO, and GOTO TOKWA’T BABOY. Their regular customers then were medical students from Velez College as well as Medical Representatives.
Having captured the discriminating taste of Cebuanos love and penchant for “Lutong Bahay” way of cooking, MAMA GIE eventually introduced a wide array of Kapampangan delicacies such as the famous Kalderetang Kapampangan, Kare-Kare, Menudo Rice and Callos to name a few. With MAMA GIE at the helm and her personalized touch in preparing these variety of foods, the increasing demands for more variety of Kapampangan menus signaled MAMA GIE to serve package meals during lunch break and dinner time — at this time the growing list of patrons now includes fellow Ilokanos and Kapampangans, Tagalogs and of course the regular Cebuanos - our “Suki.”

The sudden demise of Mr. Alfredo Costales prompted MAMA GIE to tap the services of her children who are all professionals in their respective fields and careers. Among the children she sought for their contributions and expertise are: a) Alex, who handles the financial aspect of the business, b) Alvir, who takes care of the whole operations, c) Allan handles purchasing and marketing while d) Alice is in charge of payroll and HR matter of the business. Of course aside from being the Chief Cook, MAMA GIE, the titular head of the family is the over-all-head of the company. Since the organizational structure of the business is now complete, MAMA GIE decided to incorporate the business. By July of 1994, the name of the company was called MAMA GIE CORPORATION.
The same year 1994, MAMA GIE Corporation was offered a space at SM City Cebu Foodcourt. At SM Foodcourt, MAMA GIE’s concept of Kapampangan foods was approved. Setting up of a foodstall in SM Foodcourt was a brilliant and wise move of MAMA GIE to corner the market. Indeed, MAMA GIE ranks no.1 in terms of SALES at SM City Cebu Foodcourt since the 2nd quarter of 1998. The reason for its success, “good food, fast service and quality not to be compromised” is the philosophy they have instituted among their workers. The top favorites are Boneless Bangus, Lechon Kawali as well as the other top seller menu items highlighted above are the gross seller items.
As MAMA GIE intends to move on to better heights, MAMA GIE is now embarking into Franchising with outlets at SM Cebu, SM Marilao, Robinson Galleria, La Nueva Cityhall Cebu, Globe Innove Canteen, Fiesta Market Market, soon to open Gateway Mall and SM Mall of Asia — again, a step that might spell blessings and success to its company and awarding Franchises nationwide for Restaurants and Foodcourt outlets. Be part of the success!