The brand also clarifies details on its missing Instagram account
Over the weekend, Filipino coffee lovers have gone to social media speculating about the closure of the international coffee chain % Arabic in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), leading many to think that it is pulling out of the Philippines. Adding more to the confusion is the disappearance of its social media pages, too.
What happened to Arabica? Both branches in BGC are closed. pic.twitter.com/MtpXJUWd1l
— Gino Nacianceno (@vote4gino) January 30, 2022
Okay. So some deets on Arabica PH, I was walking kanina maybe 10:30-11 going to the store near Sushi Nori. Anyways, saw the store had plasters so I concluded it was closed. Then some men were walking towards the inside of the store, then one guy he maybe saw some of us
— Captain America’s Ass (@BauxNicky) January 30, 2022
To inform everyone, % Arabica released a statement on Facebook, noting that its franchise period with the current partner has ended and admiring its partner’s strive to operate, especially in this pandemic climate.
“Dear customers in the Philippines, our franchise period with the current partner has ended yesterday, and we have agreed not to continue the collaboration for the next term. We appreciate very much for their efforts running the business in the difficult COVID time,” it says in the post. “We have selected a new partner already and will make a fresh start this year to expand throughout the country. Please wait for a couple of months for the new opening announcement. We cannot wait to serve you our simple delicious coffee to you once again.”
Known for its special brews and minimalist store aesthetic, the Japanese coffee chain, founded by Kenneth Shoji, first opened its flagship store in Kyoto in 2014. Four years later, % Arabica was brought to the Philippines by master franchisor Allue Hortaleza with its first store in BGC.