Dutch-inspired café opens in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu is still attractive to any food and beverage related businesses, as the market is still starting to embrace in what the developed countries' call the "third place."

The proliferation of coffee shops, and cafe parlors in Cebu is still far from saturation, said Dutch investor John Stout, adding that cafes and coffee shops with good food and services are seen to thrive here despite competition.

Because of this promising outlook, Stout, together with Filipina partner Leah Lorena Lising, opened a Dutch-inspired cafe called "Duphi Cafe" in the middle of the industrial district in Mandaue City.

The partners invested about P2 million to set up Duphi Cafè.

Stout believes that with the changing lifestyle and paradigm shift of the market, where work and meetings do not have to happen at the offices, cafes and coffee shops are the top choices as the place for meet-up.

From homes to offices, coffee shops, and cafes are the third destination for people across age and social orientation.

Coffee drinking lifestyle in the Philippines has evolved into something that has become a “third-place” for people who wants to relax, socialized, transact business, among others.

While the early years of coffee drinking evolution in the Philippines only attracted the discriminating middle to high-end market segment. Today, all market-spectrum has already adopted the lifestyle, which makes the coffee shop business thrive in the country.

Stout said their positive outlook stemmed from the availability of specialty coffee products and Dutch-inspired meals they can offer to both foreign and local market living within Mandaue City.

Duphi Cafè or Dutch-Philippines Café is located in Unit 3 of Arcada 5 Building in Hi-way Tipolo, Mandaue City.

Stout believes there is still room for growth for existing and new players because of the rise of income levels and improved consumer taste, especially when it comes to coffee.

Duphi Cafè manager and co-owner Lising has been in the food industry for some time. Lising previously worked in the food and beverage department of a hotel based abroad.

“It was our passion for food and coffee that made us decide to set-up this business. This is our first business venture as a couple and we intend to open one cafè every year,” said Lising.

While she admitted that Duphi Cafe is a new player in the cafè business, Lising expressed optimism that they will do well in the market since they put emphasis on the quality, freshness and affordability of their products.

She added that offering this kind of service, could only thrive if focused on quality and service is highly prioritized, along with providing a total experience staying at the cafe.

“We want to be known for selling affordable but high-quality drink variants and dishes,” Lising said.

Looking forward, Stout and Lising are planning to open more Duphi Cafes in other areas in Metro Cebu particularly in Mactan, and other high-traffic and business districts like IT Parks, among others. (FREEMAN)