A trip to Singapore is not complete without a proper food trip. For many, a foodie adventure in the country involves stopping by shops like Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters to feast on delectable pastries and a cup of brewed drinks. But it looks like Filipinos don’t need to fly all the way to the Lion City in the future as the beloved brands are about to make their way to the Philippines.
Fast-food chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) recently announced that it is bringing the two brands to the country through a joint venture with Food Collective Pte. Ltd. (FCPL).
Led by Spa Esprit Group’s (SEG) Cynthia Chua, Tiong Bahru Bakery was established in 2012. Through the years, the bakeshop gained a large following due to its pastries, made in collaboration with French master baker Gontran Cherrier. Its kouign amann pastries, artisanal bread, croissants, and tarts are among the best-selling items on its menu.
Common Man Coffee Roasters, on the other hand, started to enter Singapore’s food scene in 2013. Also under the umbrella of Spa Esprit Group, the brand is known for providing “industry-leading wholesale and retail experiences with delicious, specialty grade, ethical coffee at its core.” Its menu features special meals for breakfast and lunch, while its pride lies in its sustainably sourced specialty coffees prepared by its skilled baristas who undergo training at its academy.
“We are excited to enter this joint venture with FCPL to own and operate the Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines,” Jollibee chief executive Ernesto Tanmantiong said. “These brands will be a strong addition to JFC’s foreign franchised brands and will allow JFC to capture an even greater opportunity and strengthen JFC’s position for further growth in the Philippine market.”