It all started with a trip back home. While vacationing in the Philippines, Richard found himself on a food adventure with his future wife, Marielle—going from island to island, tasting local favorites, and soaking in the energy of every eatery they visited. “Toronto needs this kind of food experience,” he thought. It was just an idea back then, but one that would soon grow into Islas BBQ, a restaurant built on Filipino flavor and community spirit.
Years later, after getting married and settling in Toronto, Richard’s career in travel was winding down. He had spent years selling cruises, always talking about food from his trips. So when he decided to change paths, the answer was clear—he wanted to build a place that brought those memories to life. With Marielle by his side, they opened their first Islas BBQ in Parkdale, a neighborhood once known for its Filipino roots.
Their first restaurant was small, about 40 seats, but filled with life. Families gathered around sizzling platters and boodle feasts, laughter echoing through the room. One night, they even transformed the space into a surprise wedding chapel—curtains drawn, doors closed, then opened to reveal a candlelit aisle. “It was crazy,” Richard laughs. “We had 30 people sitting like it was a small chapel. That’s what Islas is—it’s personal, it’s family.”
For seven years, Islas BBQ thrived in Parkdale. The couple learned every side of the business—from managing staff to dealing with taxes. But more than anything, they learned about people. They built friendships, shared stories, and became part of the community’s milestones. “Some families had their last meals together here,” Richard recalls. “Moments like that stay with you.”
When it came time to move forward, they faced a choice—take a break or expand. Instead of slowing down, they took a leap of faith and found a new home in North York. The new space was once an Italian restaurant run by another husband-and-wife team, and the connection felt right. The move became both a continuation and a rebirth—Islas BBQ’s new chapter.
Today, the new location is bigger, with a main dining hall for 60 guests, a stage for live music and karaoke, and an event space that can hold up to 100 people. Yet the heart of Islas remains the same: it’s where stories are shared, where Filipino flavors bring people together, and where every meal feels like home.
From a dream born in the islands to a community rooted in Toronto, Islas BBQ is more than a restaurant. It’s a love story—served family-style.
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