Francis D is Francis Dayrit. A true-blue Capampangan, an original Cabalen who finished his college in De La Salle, and is a super loyal Boston Celtics fan. He’s got so many friends in both Pampanga and Manila, it was no surprise that when he decided to cook burgers for them while they played poker at his home, they became instant fans. Their request was simple: make his signature burgers available not just during their poker nights, but all throughout the year.
That’s how I first became a fan. Francis and his sister-in-law Joyce, were my partners in a nursing review business, back in the day, before retrogression. Our office was in San Fernando, and one afternoon, Francis invited me to try out his burgers, which were fast getting a most delicious reputation. Now, this was way back in 2011, fifteen years ago, and I became an instant fanatic as well.
The burgers were homemade, and each was redolent of the flavors and textures of home. The patties were thick, traditional hamburger sized, and cooked perfectly, every time. The bread, another homemade creation of Francis, brioche buns! It was exciting back then, a decade and a half ago, to fall for burgers in brioche. It was very new, and very special.
And then, there was the plethora of toppings: single or double patty? Check. How about American Cheese or Bleu Cheese? Done. Cream Cheese perhaps, Sir? And of course, there was a lot of decadently crispy Bacon. Eggs, Mushrooms, Mustards, Jalapenos. All to one’s personal choice. I was in hamburger heaven.
Not too long after, Francis opened his first store, directly across the St. Scholastica’s Pampanga campus, and it became a big hit; so big in fact, that soon, Francis had to make the choice of staying, or opening his first mall branch. The offer from SM Clark was too tempting, and in 2013, I was one of the ribbon cutters when the branch opened.
All went well for Francis, until the pandemic happened, and he had no choice but to close the doors of his SM Clark branch. The Covid virus tremendously affected all restaurants in the country, and our man was not exempted. But he kept on dreaming, and yes, he kept on cooking burgers from his house, selling bread and condiments, and everything needed to keep the appetites happy during those years.
After the Covid threat had passed, Francis had a choice, whether to go off into other businesses, or courageously put up “Francis D’s” once more. The feedback from his friends and relatives became compelling. Could he once again open up the Capampangans’ OG burger haven?
The choice was inescapable. A perfect rental space opened up, not in Angeles or Clark, but in San Fernando, mere minutes away from his house, where he first thought of burgers all those years ago. His wife and children were eager to contribute to resurrecting their hamburger business. And so, this May 2026, Francis D’s Bistro softly opened to the public.
The new site is gorgeous. White walls, an assortment of wooden chairs, and high ceilings, the perfect setting for new burgers and more. The kitchen is larger, and equipped beautifully. And the man behind it all, Francis Dayrit, couldn’t help but smile widely as he took me around the new branch. I was impressed beyond my imagination. Pampanga’s Original is back!
Francis talked about his future plans — salads and pastas and all manner of sandwiches from around the world — and while he spoke, I was smiling all the time as I bit into my bespoke Bacon and Bleu Cheese hamburger. My friend Francis was so back, and I’m here to cheer him on!
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