Back before streaming was available, going to the movies was a regular activity for family and friends. And it’s never complete without drinks and snacks in hand, especially if they’re from Taters.
My memories of this snack brand were how premium their nachos and popcorn flavors were, and they still are today as they offer a wide variety of options. One thing I recently found out from friends is their “secret menu” as confirmed by Chief Operating Officer Joseph Brian Tanchanco who I got to interview.
Here’s the secret that we are now sharing with you—you can create your own custom mix of flavors for any of the Taters snacks, and it's available at all stores. “It’s a different way to enjoy your popcorn,” he excitedly explains. “Instead of just ordering Texan Barbecue, you can mix it with Nacho Cheese and White Cheddar for a unique flavor experience. If you’re a fan of our fries, you can combine Barbecue flavor with Barbecue Sauce for a barbecue overload! And that’s just the beginning. There are so many innovations—just ask our staff for more suggestions.”
Challenges accepted
If you were born more than 30 years ago, you would have witnessed the evolution of Taters. While they’ve remained true to the brand’s identity with their store aesthetics, color scheme, and logo, they’ve significantly expanded their inventory to include a wide variety of fun and enjoyable snacks. This evolution was further accelerated during the recent pandemic.
With movie theaters off-limits, streaming at home became the next best option. And, of course, we needed snacks to complete the experience. Taters stepped up by partnering with community outlets and delivery services, ensuring that their customers could continue enjoying their favorite snacks from the comfort of their homes.
Tanchanco admits that they had these plans—and more—well before the pandemic hit. “The lockdown just accelerated our efforts, making it extra challenging,' he says. 'We were operating at only 30 percent of our usual manpower, so pulling it off felt almost magical. I’m incredibly proud of our team.”
Moving forward
This motivated the company to expand further, setting up kiosks and stalls in amusement parks, malls, game parks, and sports centers. Building on their bestselling popcorn, they have added a variety of new items to their menu, including hotdogs, fries, chips, burgers with brioche buns, and many more offerings.
Chief Executive Officer Ana Maria Tanchanco adds, “Adapting to the evolving needs of the market keeps us on our toes. By looking into what customers want, we can calibrate our offerings, do the necessary research and development, and consider innovative additions to satisfy the public.”
To celebrate its 30th year, dubbed “Trenta-stic,” the company announces an exciting collaboration. Joseph reveals that “tying up with SM Gamepark gives us the opportunity to expand our reach to mall-goers who are out for a good time. Whether they’re throwing a party, having a night out with friends, or need snacks to add to the fun while they’re at play, our extensive menu is bound to have something to satisfy their cravings.” There are also exclusive promotions at select SM Game Park locations.
Celebrating collaborations
For their culminating event held last August 20, 2024 at SM Game Park in SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, they have brought together not just their loyal customers but also key individuals who contributed to the company’s growth. As he expounds, “Our goal is for the suppliers to meet the franchises, the media to meet the franchises, and for this to be an inclusive community,”