We often hear people speak that an aged wine is always the best. It is for this reason that wine connoisseurs go for the brand—and the price, which goes with it!

But let me focus your interest on pizza.

With the numerous proliferations of pizzerias in the country, one has just too many options to choose from. From popular foreign brands to local, almost every key city would have their presence. However, a friend who is a self-confessed pizza connoisseur whispered to me if I have heard of the name Di Mark’s? Why, of course, I replied!

I could recall that famous logo of a half-bald man with red checkered squares and a classic font of “Di Mark’s.” As a young boy, my uncles would always bring me to that place.

My curiosity led me to seek and meet the second generation who is managing the pizzeria. Nina Fernandez Assad and her husband Jay have taken the cudgels in continuing the legacy.

Over their famous “Mad Scramble” thin-crust pizza and in their cozy pizza place in their Taft Avenue compound, I had the pleasure of interviewing the couple.

Accordingly, Di Mark’s was born in the early 1950s when Nina’s parents Arturo and Lita Fernandez were living in New York. Together with their Italian neighbors on Friday evenings, the Fernandez couple would prepare pizza. Arturo would be kneading the dough while Lita prepared the rich and thick tomato sauce. Such a smell would draw the neighborhood children to the Fernandezes’ yard. No doubt the Fernandez kids became popular.

In 1956, the Fernandez family moved back to Manila. The parents continued to prepare delectable thin-crust pizza for neighbors in their compound. Thus after being encouraged by friends, Arturo and Lita decided to establish a pizza business. The name Di Mark’s was actually taken from the youngest son, Marky.

In April 1957, with some borrowed tables and chairs, Di Mark’s Pizza Garden opened. The place was in their compound garden. Word of mouth spread and it soon became a cozy and romantic place to have dinner for two or on weekends for families. Till this day, the garden still caters to pizza connoisseurs. I was even told that there are many popular people making appointments to dine or even hold small meetings. No less than the head of our country whose family has been a regular patron still orders pizza to be picked up!

At present, the pizzeria has including the cozy garden on Taft and four branches. These are located on Tomas Morato Avenue by Alfredo’s, at Casa Susana, Madrigal Bldg. in Alabang, and Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong.

There were two branches in Makati City. However, due to the rising cost of rent, the family decided to close them.

Jay and Nina are considering expanding to key cities via franchising. However, the couple is reviewing several factors before officially opening the doors to parties.

In fact, Jay mentioned that almost every day, he expressed surprise on receiving countless e-mail messages from people as far as Australia, North America, Europe, as well as in Metro Manila and provinces asking for a franchise. Truly an example of the power of word of mouth!

With the legacy left to their care and the brand that is now 54 years old, they want to make sure that quality as well as the ambiance will be the same in whatever location a branch whether within the country or international will be put up.

As we were talking, I never realized I was able to consume several slices of the famous “Mad Scramble” oozing with generous varieties of toppings plus the crunch of a wonderful thin crust!

Di Mark’s no doubt has aged to reach 54 years. In my experience as mentor to many businesses, there are really entrepreneurs who will not risk letting go to anybody unless they are truly confident. There is even a Chinese restaurant, which has remained with one branch fully packed with customers in BF Homes Parañaque and has existed since 1848. The generation managing it, just like Jay and Nina, is cautious not to break the legacy it inherited.

However, watch out when Di Mark’s shall make the pronouncement of officially launching their franchise. Jay and Nina assured me that I shall be the first to know.

For people looking for a franchise, it is important to know the value the owners place on the business. If there is strong passion present, rest assured there will be a continuous outpouring of success for the brand.

Meantime, have a taste and savor the longest-existing pizzeria in town. I agree with their tag line, which goes, “What a Difference Our Difference Can Make.”

Bon appétit!