Singapore’s Common Man Coffee Roasters Set to Debut in the Philippines at Ayala Triangle

MANILA, Philippines. – Filipino diners and coffee enthusiasts will soon enjoy the delicious offerings of one of Singapore’s most beloved cafés, Common Man Coffee Roasters, after the Jollibee Group signed a contract with Ayala Malls for the brand’s first location in the Philippines. The store will open this year at the heart of Makati's central business district - The Restaurants at The Ayala Triangle Gardens.

The Common Man Coffee Roasters operates all-day dining restaurants in Singapore and Malaysia, with an aim to be a Champion for Specialty Coffee and Best All-Day Brunch concept in Asia. Common Man Coffee Roasters also does coffee roasting, sale of coffee products, and operates Coffee Barista Academy. 

The Jollibee Group announced in August its joint venture with Food Collective, Pte. Ltd. (FCPL) to own and operate Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. The Jollibee Group owns 60% of the business.

Prime location for first store

“Location is key in establishing Common Man’s foothold in the country,” said William Tan Untiong, Jollibee Group Chief Real Estate and Design Officer. “The Ayala Triangle Gardens is at the heart of Makati’s Central Business District and a hub for many great concepts in the city. For this reason, it is only fitting that we set up shop in this prime location that will enable us to fully bring the signature Common Man Coffee Roasters concept to life.”

Michael Bovell, General Manager of Spa Esprit Food Group, which operates Common Man Coffee Roasters in Singapore, shared: “We are excited to launch Common Man Coffee Roasters in Manila at this very special location in Ayala Triangle. As with all our cafes, the café design is very creative and not the run of the mill. We are also excited to have a roastery on site so we can showcase the roasting process to our customers, offering a dining and sensory experience.” 

 

"We are so thrilled to welcome Common Man Coffee Roasters in one of the most unique retail spaces in the country – a place where lasting memories are made, friendships flourish, and the spirit of community thrives," said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President. 

“On a personal note, Common Man holds a special place in my heart, as it was my favorite cafe when I lived in Singapore a few years ago," she added. 

Celebrating partnerships

Joining Tan Untiong and Bovell during the contract signing were Jollibee Group’s Joseph Tanbuntiong, Chief Business Officer; and JJ Alano, Group Head for Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery. Representing the Ayala Malls were Chris Maglanoc, President; AC Legarda, VP for Operations; and Iza Arcilla, Ayala Triangle Gardens and Greenbelt General Manager for The Shops and Restaurants.

The momentous occasion concluded with an unveiling of the first look of The Common Man Coffee Roasters at Ayala Triangle. Very soon, Filipinos can find a new hotspot to work or hang out with family or friends while enjoying a great selection of coffee and pastries right at the heart of Makati.

To know more about Common Man Coffee Roasters, visit https://commonmancoffeeroasters.com/

1st PH National Barista Assembly Up this September

The first-ever Assembly of Baristas in the Philippines is happening this September!

Henry & Sons, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, call on the country’s baristas, coffee enthusiasts and similarly interested individuals, to register at the 1st National Barista Assembly happening on September 20, 2019, at the SMX Convention Center Aura, in Taguig City. 

This event aims to unite Filipino Baristas and bring back the Philippines on the global coffee spotlight through a sustainable coffee economy. Coffee enthusiasts, restaurateurs, hoteliers, media personalities, influencers along with other walk-in attendees of the assembly, will also be present during the event. 

The Assembly features  various competitions happening simultaneously, to provide a platform for coffee professionals, enthusiasts, and baristas to showcase their skills. The competitions aims to encourage Baristas to bring out their potentials, creativity, and skills in coffee crafting and related art. Moreover, it is also about inspiring everyone to elevate their skills and aim for excellence in their service and presentation to meet world-class standards. 

Henry & Sons is a holistic coffee solutions company. They offer premium roasted coffee, top-of-the-line coffee machines, and accessories, coffee solutions, as well as training to suit various challenging demands.  

They are committed in promoting the local coffee scene through events and programs that support the sustainability of the Filipino coffee industry.  The company’s President and CEO, Michael Harris Conlin, is a champion of a sustainable coffee economy. After his successful participation in the World Coffee Championships as the 2019 Philippine National Barista Champion, Conlin is eager to create more exceptional initiatives and pursue his passion for excellence. 

Henry & Sons also owns The Giving Cafe (TGC). This coffee shop provides support to the Foundation for Sustainable Coffee Excellence (FSCE), which helps coffee Filipino coffee farmers in Itogon, Benguet. The TGC works as an income-generating program for the foundation. Thus, they do not rely on other agencies and companies for support. 

The FSCE supports farmers by providing training so that they will have technical awareness on how to grow better quality coffee. The foundation works to help the farmers in their medical needs and for the educational needs of their children. The FSCE aims to develop a generation that appreciates the coffee culture of their family and continue to this journey instead of exploring other jobs or migrating. 

Henry & Sons also run the Institute of Coffee Excellence. This institute is where they train future barista champions, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and other coffee enthusiasts. The training will help elevate their level and for them to become at par with the global coffee industry. 

Additionally, the Manila Coffee Gear showcases the company’s coffee-related machines and equipment. They also provide technical support and training for the use of these coffee machines. They also have coffee grinders, coffee accessories, and the Henry Ready-to-Mix powders. 

For more information regarding the first National Barista Assembly, visit www.facebook.com/baristasquest or contact Tony Dy at 0917.153.1188