Potato Corner to continue expansion

MANILA, Philippines — Potato Corner (PC), the kiosk-based flavored fries in the Philippines owned by the Po family’s Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., will further expand its footprint in the country and abroad.

In the third quarter alone, Potato Corner opened 71 new outlets in the country, including a multi-branded drive-thru snack stop.

Outside the Philippines, Potato Corner has also been actively expanding with 35 new stores opened from January to September.

More stores are set to open abroad this quarter following the openings in Thailand, Singapore, China and Canada.

“Potato Corner has come a long way. Much respect is due to its founders, especially Jose Magsaysay, who built this company from the ground up and took it to such great heights. I am deeply grateful and humbled for the Shakey’s Group to be its new custodian, and I look forward to more growth and prosperity for the brand and for our franchisees,” said Pizza president Vicente Gregorio.

The kiosk brand celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Founded as a small food cart in October 1992, Potato Corner has grown to become one of the largest food kiosk chains in the Philippines with over 1,100 stores domestically and more than 200 international outlets in 13 territories abroad.

In 2022, Shakey’s acquired the brand and is now one of the leading casual dining restaurant chains and food service groups in the country.

Christopher Po, chairman of Shakey’s, said the group is excited to continue working with its partners, such as franchisees, to grow the brand.

As part of its mission to promote entrepreneurship, Potato Corner also launched the first franchisee loan program in partnership with Gokongwei-led Robinsons Bank, enabling speedy and convenient access to financing for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The special loan program allows for competitive rates, including a clean loan feature and flexible terms, which can be availed by both existing and new franchisees.

“Our franchisees are the lifeblood of Potato Corner. Through the pandemic and back, they remained resilient and are now reaping the benefits of the reopening,” Gregorio said.

He said Shakey’s is committed to helping franchisees, micro-businesses and small and medium enterprises who form the backbone of our country’s economic development.