There’s nothing wrong If you’re considering starting a cafe business in the Philippines, while you’re still an OFW. It’s a great idea to start a food and beverage-based business since Filipinos are known to be foodies and coffee-enthusiasts! Here are the best reasons why you should start a cafe business in the Philippines!
1. Vibrant coffee culture
If you noticed, coffee culture is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture since most Filipinos in the morning often drink coffee on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. They would often say to their loved ones or guests “kape ka muna” or drink coffee.
It’s also not unusual for working Filipinos to be a huge fan of coffee runs before going to work or perhaps working or studying in a cafe.
There is a strong coffee culture among Filipinos, and cafes are frequently used as places for socialization. With the establishment of a cafe, one may capitalize on the cultural affinity for coffee, thereby providing clients with a location that is both familiar and soothing.
Cafes are often seen as more than just a place to drink great coffee and socialize; they are also a safe space to read, have time for leisure, and engage in other fun activities, such as playing board games with other people. If you’re considering starting a cafe business, take advantage of the fact that Filipino culture places high value on coffee and cafes. This is one of the reasons why there are plenty of cafes in the Philippines!
2. Filipino hospitality
Cafe businesses in the Philippines and around the world thrive because of great customer service and hospitality. It’s not enough to have an aesthetically pleasing cafe with great food, if your staff couldn’t welcome its customers and inspire loyalty from them.
The warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people is well-known. It is possible to increase client loyalty and favorable word-of-mouth recommendations by cultivating an environment at your cafe that is warm and inviting.
So, why don’t you turn on that Filipino hospitality value and turn it into a cafe business that will make coffee lovers feel at home! As an OFW, you probably know how Filipinos can be extremely welcoming of fellow kabayans which can make you feel at home!
3. The growing and steady economy
Over the past few years, the Philippines has witnessed economic progress, which has resulted in the existence of a growing middle class that possesses disposable income. This gives an opportunity for cafés to market their products and services to a wide range of customers.
Yes, it’s not a secret that it’s hard to make a living in the Philippines, which is why there are numerous OFWS working abroad. However, due to the changing economy, you can use your hard-earned money and savings to start your dream cafe business.
Just like any business, there’s always a risk, with proper planning, resources, and money. Your cafe business can be sustainable and successful!
4. Travel and tourism
Filipinos or non-Filipinos are big fans of Instagram- worthy or TikTok famous cafes with great ambiance and interior design and unique features. For example, if you’re a big fan of books, why don’t you create the only book-themed cafe in town? If you’re an acai bowl enthusiast, why don’t you create a cafe business offering mouthwatering acai bowls and great coffees that people will love?
Because the Philippines is such a renowned tourist destination, cafes have the potential to draw both locals and visitors alike. It is possible for a café that is well-designed and has a distinctive atmosphere to itself become a tourist destination.
5. Diverse and unique culinary scene
Yes, cafes don’t only offer coffee but have a great selection of food and beverages. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, why don’t you visit your favorite local cafe abroad? See what makes it pop?
Most cafes in the Philippines offer pastries and pastas along with coffee beverages; however, you can make a unique concept cafe that does not only provide delicious food but experience as well. Some cafes in the Philippines offers a wide variety of food and beverage even have great ambience but the quality is subpar, it’s all about balance!
Cafes can provide not only coffee but also a wide range of food selections, which is something that Filipinos like because they enjoy trying new cuisines. Your café can stand out from the competition by incorporating regional cuisines and putting a distinctive spin on foods from around the world.
6. Digital savvy consumers
We live in a modern world where social media is a major part of our lives. You can leverage social media marketing or get unique marketing ideas or do in-depth research for your cafe business idea. Filipinos love to find new cafe businesses in their area through social media or word of mouth!
A populace that is well-versed in technology and has a substantial presence on social media may be found in the Philippines. Free internet promotion through social media sharing can be beneficial for a café that is visually appealing and has aesthetics that are worthy of being featured on Instagram or TikTok!
7. Flexible Business Models
You have to think of your cafe business idea is to have your own brand or to get a cafe franchise. There are many different business strategies that cafes can embrace, such as chances to franchise their establishments or to begin as a small, independent business.
The ability to choose a model that is in line with their resources and vision is made possible by this flexibility for entrepreneurs, so choose wisely!
8. Students loves cafes
Cafes are usually situated nearby schools or universities and often have affordable prices since there’s an enormous number of students in the Philippines, there is a ready market for cafes on the campuses of academic institutions.
If you want to attract customers from this demographic, you might think about making your cafe student-friendly from the ambience to it’s prices!
9. Specialty coffee is growing
Filipinos are now supporting local brands and specialty coffees that come from the provinces. A growing number of people are interested in specialty coffee, which has led to an increase in the demand for coffee experiences that are both of high quality and distinctive. A cafe that specializes in serving specialty coffee has the potential to attract consumers who have high standards.
As an OFW, you can compare the differences between the cafe culture of the country you’re living in right now to the Philippines, adapt some of its processes and uniqueness, and blend it with the Filipino culture and market!
10. Assistance offered by the government
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are the focus of the Philippine government’s various efforts. These programs offer a variety of benefits to entrepreneurs, including financial help, business training, and assistance in gaining access to markets.
If you’re considering starting a cafe business, check the government requirements and processes you need to do and have. It would also be best to inquire how your local government supports business enthusiasts by offering seminars or collaborations.
11. Online delivery popularity
Food Panda, Grab food, Lalamove and more. Starting a cafe business can reach your customers anywhere with numerous food delivery options. This started during the COVID-19 pandemic and, since then, has been a must-have for people who want to enjoy specialty coffee and great food within the comfort of their homes!
The proliferation of internet platforms that distribute meals enables cafés to broaden their customer base beyond the confines of their physical stores. It is possible to enhance sales and accessibility by forming partnerships with these sites. Cafe businesses should not only rely on in-store purchases but also on food delivery since it’s popular in the Philippines!
12. Co-working space culture
Remote workers and freelancers has been rising even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from co-working spaces, cafes have been a holy grail for remote workers who need to work and socialize.
Cafes are social hubs that provide a place for individuals to congregate, work, or rest. People seeking a place to relax or hold business meetings may be drawn to a location that provides free Wi-Fi and comfy chairs.
13. Current trends
Cafes nowadays have become more niche-oriented, and unique concepts are up and coming, especially catering to consumers who have health issues or fitness -enthusiasts since the pandemic happened. If you plan to start a cafe business, you can especially make your cafe business vegan or diabetic-friendly if you have first-hand experience.
In response to the growing health consciousness among the population, cafés have the opportunity to adapt to this trend by providing better food and beverage alternatives. The incorporation of organic and locally sourced ingredients has the potential to attract customers who are concerned about their health.
14. Creative concepts
The more eye-catching and memorable your cafe business is, the better! It is possible to differentiate your cafe business idea from its rivals and attract a specific type of customer by introducing novel cafe concepts, such as themed cafes or practices that adhere to environmentally friendly standards. Of course, what really matters the most is making sure your food and beverage offerings are still high quality!
15. Plenty of holidays and cultural activities
Cafe businesses can join in celebrating events like Valentine’s or Christmas parties in the Philippines. As we all know, on a yearly basis, the Philippines has many events and celebrations, which contribute to the country’s rich cultural calendar. Creating a festive environment and attracting increased foot traffic into your cafe can be accomplished by aligning it with these events so make the most of it!
