Homegrown coffee brand opens first ‘tribute store’

CEBU, Philippines — Twenty-three years after it pioneered the introduction of coffee shop culture in Cebu, Bo’s Coffee opens its first “Tribute Store” in its home-ground in Cebu.

Located at Capitol Site, Osmeña Boulevard, the 300 square-meter Bo’s Coffee “Tribute Store” is the brand’s way of recognizing the Philippine coffee and the brand’s humble beginnings in Cebu in 1996.

Set to have its commercial opening on Friday, December 7, the store will also introduce an experience bar or slow “coffee” bar section, where customer can lounge and enjoy coffee making and tea mixing featuring tea and coffee blends sourced from all over the country.

The Capitol Site tribute store signals the establishment of other similar store in other locations in Cebu and other parts of the Philippines, and ultimately around the world, said Bo’s Coffee founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Steve Benitez.

Benitez plans to open one more tribute store in Cebu and also in Manila in the short term, stressing Bo’s Coffee’s commitment to promote Philippine coffee, and the Pinoy culture as presented by its ambiance, and product offerings.

“Our version of a perfect blend is not only the sensuous and aroma of Philippine coffee, but also the overall presentation of Philippine culture—its indigenous and nearly forgotten products, Filipino music and artistry, and even Philippine-grown tea,” said Benitez.

Bo’s Coffee has been promoting and supporting locally made products, particularly those produced by social enterprises by showcasing their merchandizes in its over 100 stores nationwide, including its overseas brand in Qatar.

Now that Bo’s Coffee has established its footprint in the competitive coffee shop business in the Philippines, and so far the largest Filipino homegrown brand to compete head on with global giants, Benitez said paying homage to its roots is important.

“Our [Bo’s] job is to popularize Philippine coffee, and other Philippine-made products,” he said as he also announced Bo’s dynamic entry to international market specifically after 2022.

In Bo’s Coffee Tribute Stores, customers shall have an enhanced and more elevated coffee experience, underscore Benitez.

“We want to showcase the best of Philippine artistry and talent in the most ambitious project we ever had. The tribute store will be commemoration and statement of the brand’s promise that this homegrown brand will continue to pave empowerment to the communities we serve,” he added. (FREEMAN)