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Bo's Coffees
Company typePrivate
IndustryCoffee shop
FoundedJune 28, 1996; 28 years ago (1996-06-28) in Cebu City, Philippines[1]
FounderSteve Benitez
HeadquartersCebu City, Philippines
Number of locations
103 (2018)[2]
ProductsCoffee
Websitewww.boscoffee.com
Bo's Coffee store in TOPS Cebu.

Bo's Coffee is a Filipino coffee and coffeehouse chain. It was founded by Steve Benitez in 1996 in Cebu City, Philippines. The company operates a total of 91 outlets throughout the Philippines, with about 30 of them located in Metro Cebu, where it is based.[‡ 1] Bo's Coffee sources coffee beans from farmers from Sagada, Mountain Province, Mount Kitanglad in Bukidnon, Mount Matutum in Tupi, South Cotabato, and Mount Apo.[‡ 2][3]

The shop was founded in 1996, with the business unsuccessful. Benitez later bought a coffee machine and expanded the business. Benitez put out free samples, which steadily increased the business and led the business to have another branch. The shop has a total of 103 branches, with two in United Arab Emirates and eight in Qatar.

The business has differing products, like coffee beans originating from different regions in the Philippines to coffee-related drinks, although there are some non-coffee drinks. There are also snacks such as cake and other treats. The business also had a partnership with Red Bull. The business has relatively positive reviews, with reviewers noting their store's appearance and reported efficiency. Though some problems were noted, like bugs and insects to slow workers, all of the reviews turned out positive.

History

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Origins and start

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The idea of starting a coffee shop came to Bo's Coffee founder Steve Benitez when he was a student in Ateneo de Manila University. He reportedly always had to drink coffee to stay awake to study. In 1992, his parents wanted to shut down their family-owned business and managed Ric's Barbeque located on Ramos Street, Cebu City. Steve, the youngest of the five Benitez siblings, took over the management of the family business and left Ateneo de Manila Law School.[4] After attending various seminars and training, Steve Benitez decided to open Bo's Coffee in Ayala Center Cebu in June 1996. Two months before the shop opened, his business partners backed out. The business wasn't successful in the first few months, with daily sales of 300 pesos ($5) to 1,000 ($17), less than the rent of 10,000 pesos ($174).[5]

Spread and present

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Benitez bought his first coffee machine from a coffee exhibition show in Singapore for 65,000 pesos ($1,130) and hand-carried the machine in his flight going back to Cebu. Starting on an investment of 100,000 pesos ($1,739).[4] At first, Benitez had to give away free samples as the Cebuano market was not yet familiar of his concept. Sales picked up on the sixth month and then steadily increased to turning a profit to enable him to put up another coffee cart in SM City Cebu.[5][6]

In June 2016, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Bo's Coffee, the brand created a festival named Coffeechella in Cebu. Bo's Coffee hosted the event, with 25 other stores participating in the event, such as Bayani Brew, ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, Theo &Philo, Tsaa Laya, Habi, and Loudbasstard. An art exhibition was also displayed, with coffee painting lessons present.[7] In 2018, the Philippine-focused Navegar Fund decided to invest in the company to reportedly help farmers, one of the thrusts of the Philippine-focused fund.[2] Other than funds, Bo's Coffee invested in newer brands. Notably Theo and Philo Chocolates, Bayani Brew, Anthill Fabric Gallery, and Hope in a Bottle.[8]

In 2019, Bo's Coffee released a new ordering system named "BOTTY". Plans were made two years prior. The program took place in Facebook Messenger, from which users search “Bo’s Coffee Advance Ordering BOTTY” and follow set instructions. The program originally took place in one store and spread through other stores.[9] As the pandemic intensified, Bo's Coffee switched their orders online. A year later, in 2020, Bo's Coffee released a digital service named "Bo's Coffee Daily". Other methods included delivery with Foodpanda,[10] GrabFood, GLife, and GCash.[11] Because of the pandemic, Bo's Coffee reopened their stores with additional safety measures. Sanitation measures were added, with sanitation mats and an automatic hand dispenser in the entrance. They also included temperature checks. Air conditioners and vents were heavily sanitized, and workers were required to wear face masks.[12] In December 2020, Bo's Coffee released a Christmas Planner and a Christmas card containing patterns originating from the Cordillera Administrative Region. Hand-drawn elements were also present in the cards, with weave designs imprinted into their cups. Other Christmas-specific beverages were released.[13]

Future

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In 2024, Bo's Coffee plans to open 35 locations, with the next year probably gaining 50 locations. 2 other locations are planned in Dubai and Qatar.[14] The business is also talking to other partners, probably bringing the business to Canada too,[15] though the launch date has yet to be confirmed.[16] Benitez stated: "We don’t go out on our own, we always look for a partner".[17]

Etymology

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Benitez said that the name comes from an Italian American coffee connoisseur named "Bo," whom he met in a coffee roadshow in New Orleans in the mid-1990s. The 10-minute interaction had an effect on his life.[4][18]

Branches

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An estimated 200,000 people go to Bo's Coffee every year.[10] A ratio of 30:70 is present between company-owned stores and franchised stores.[19]

Local

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Bo's Coffee branch at SM City Cebu

As of December 6, 2018, Bo's has over 103 branches throughout the Philippines, most of them located in key cities.[2] A big number of these branches are located in Metro Cebu, where the company is based.[20] Many of the shops are in malls, while some flagship stores are outside.[8] The biggest branch is located in Marawi, a 250-seater cafe in the middle of the city. The cafe has 882.56 square meters of space, with designs originating from Sarimanok, the Malong, and the Torogan house.[21]

International

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Bo's Coffee opened its first international branch - located in Doha, Qatar - on April 25, 2018. They have collaborated with Al Majed Grouping to open the branch.[22] Two other stores opened in 2024.[23] Eight locations are currently present in Qatar.[24] They also have 2 branches in the United Arab Emirates with Al Mulla Business Group,[25] with the first store opened in November 2022 at the BurJuman mall in Dubai.[26]

Bo's coffee locations as of 2024 displayed as Countries

Products and description

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Coffee beans

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Collaborating with farmers, Bo's Coffee released its line of five coffee products. Sagada, originating from an area in the Cordillera Administrative Region, reportedly tastes "sweet and nutty" with hints of chocolate and tobacco. Atok and Ampucao, originating from Benguet, reportedly smells like herbs. Mount Kitanglad, the fourth highest mountain in the Philippines with the product also named after the mountain, tastes "light and nutty". Mount Apo, named after the highest mountain in the Philippines, tastes "sweet and earthly". The last, Mount Matutum, named after a mountain in South Cotabato, tastes "a bit spicy".[8]

Drinks

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The Cold White Brew, one of their most popular drinks, tastes "particularly strong with a dash of cream". Another drink, this time hot includes the Philippine Coffee Origins Drink, made from their exported beans. They also have caffè americano, Latte, and caffè mocha. Other drinks include the Froccino and Freezes, the cafe's version of Frappuccinos. Froccino is more coffee-based like the original while Freezes are more like smoothies. There are also some non-coffee drinks, like iced tea, Matcha latte, and their Signature Chocolate.[8]

Snacks and food

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Bo's Coffee has plenty of cakes, including the New york cheesecake, the Dulce de leche, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Oreo Cheesecake. Other desserts include donuts, waffles, cookies, and bread. There are also some meals, including bacon and corn beef. Pasta is also served with a slice of garlic bread.[8]

Partnerships

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On July 1, 2023, Bo's Coffee and Red Bull partnered, creating two Red Bull-infused drinks, named the Sunset Orange Fizz and the Golden Passion Bliss. The Sunset Orange Fizz combines Red Bull with orange juice and strawberry syrup. Gold Passion Bliss is more tropical and tangier. The partnership ended on August 31, the same year.[27][28]

Reception

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Blog website Coffeehan described the place to "recommend to anyone who likes good tasting coffee". Some complaints were said about the prices, though the rest turned out to be positive. The blog also added that Bo's Coffee "makes good coffee, which is not a disservice to the word in the company's name".[29] Travel website TripZilla described Bo's as having a "peaceful environment", adding "you can never go wrong with Bo's".[30] In another post, TripZilla described the shop as a "cozy, laid-back, coffee shop".[31] Another positive review came from website Laptop Friendly Cafe, which was described as a "peaceful escape, perfect for studying and socializing", the seats also create a "serene ambience". Some complaints were made about mosquitoes and slow service. The review also noted "well-maintained environment", "friendly staff", "elegant interior", and much more.[32]

SunStar described the coffee as indicating a "base of Coffea arabica" but with a more "pleasant, mellow finish".[33] Blog website BeingJellyBeans described the store as a "versatile space for every occasion". "The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by warm, inviting interiors," the blog added. The blog website ended the review with a positive note, saying that the "next time you're in Makati, make sure to experience it yourself".[34] Another blog website Food in Space described Bo's as an "eco-friendly cafe", with the interior noting "woods, bricks, and rattan".[35] Just before the opening of the General Santos Branch, local news website Gensan News described the food as "the best delectable cakes and coffees from the kitchen".[36]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Go, Sumi (June 5, 2012). "Bo's Coffee: A Local Brand of Specialty Coffee". www.thepurpledolls.net. The Purple Doll. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Cebu-based Bo's Coffee shares expansion plans, tribute store, support for local coffee farmers". Cebu Daily News. December 5, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  3. ^ Rodriguez, Angeline (April 29, 2013). "Bo's Coffee: Support Delicious Local Philippine Coffee!". When In Manila. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
  4. ^ a b c Dagooc, Ehda M. "Bo's Coffee brewing up a higher purpose". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Coffee, tea, or Bo's". JIP Portal. June 2, 2018. Archived from the original on July 24, 2019. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  6. ^ Pantaleon, Christine Emily L. (March 21, 2013). "How Cebu entrepreneur set up coffee shop business". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
  7. ^ "Bo's Coffee celebrates Philippine coffee with a festival in Cebu". INQUIRER.net. July 15, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Bo's Coffee And Its Inspiring Success Story In Cebu". July 25, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  9. ^ "Queueless and, soon, cashless: Bo's Coffee elevates customer experience through BOTTY". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Sunnexdesk (August 12, 2021). "Bo's Coffee leads Filipinos forward". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  11. ^ "Local coffee chain intensifies Global Expansion". Manila Standard. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  12. ^ Lifestyle, Manila Standard (May 7, 2020). "Bo's Coffee reopens with new sanitation and safety measures". Manila Standard. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  13. ^ "Bo's Coffee Planner, Card now available". ASTIG.PH. November 5, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  14. ^ "Bo's Coffee to open 85 stores by end-2025 – Asia Food Beverages". asiafoodbeverages.com. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  15. ^ "Bo's Coffee eyes 50 new outlets by 2025". TFA Commercial Realty. September 4, 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  16. ^ "Bo's Coffee set plans for Global Expansion with new franchised outlets abroad - CebuFinest". September 7, 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  17. ^ Desiderio, Louella. "Bo's Coffee to open 85 new stores". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  18. ^ "How Bo's Coffee got its name". ABS-CBN News. January 18, 2016. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
  19. ^ Campos, Othel V. (September 4, 2024). "Bo's Coffee to open 50 new stores in 2025". Manila Standard. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  20. ^ "Bo's Coffee returns home to Cebu for 1st Tribute Store". BusinessWorld Online. December 6, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  21. ^ Dagooc, Ehda M. "Bo's Coffee opens biggest outlet in Marawi". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  22. ^ "Bo's Coffee Qatar: Meeting Place for Homegrown Filipino Coffee". April 29, 2019. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023.
  23. ^ Newspaper, The Peninsula (January 28, 2024). "Bo's Coffee opens Old Airport, The Centre branches". thepeninsulaqatar.com. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  24. ^ "Bo'S Coffee - Al Majed Group Holding". February 18, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  25. ^ "Bo's Coffee set to exceed 150 stores across the Philippines by the end of 2023". Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  26. ^ Portal, World Coffee (November 14, 2022). "Bo's Coffee expands Middle East presence with UAE launch". World Coffee Portal. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  27. ^ "Red Bull, Bo's Coffee forge powerhouse partnership". ASTIG.PH. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  28. ^ Villareal, Melo (July 4, 2023). "Red Bull and Bo's Coffee Shake Things Up with a Powerhouse Partnership". Out of Town Blog. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  29. ^ Gavan, Marjorie (March 14, 2014). "Coffee Shop Review: Bo's Coffee, Philippines". Coffeehan. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  30. ^ "15 Quiet Coffee Shops to Study in Metro Manila (With Free WiFi!)". TripZilla Philippines. January 13, 2023. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  31. ^ "LIST: 50 Places to Order Beans & Brews for Delivery". TripZilla Philippines. April 23, 2021. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  32. ^ "Laptop Friendly Cafe - Bo's Coffee, Cebu". laptopfriendlycafe.com. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  33. ^ Sunnexdesk (March 16, 2015). "Bo's Coffee – Best Coffee". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  34. ^ Gel, Jose (September 9, 2024). "A Space for Every Occasion: Bo's Coffee Glorietta 5". Jellybeans in the City. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  35. ^ "Bo's Coffee, Burjuman Centre, Dubai – United Arab Emirates". FoodInSpace. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  36. ^ "Bo's Coffee opens this weekend @ SM City GenSan!". GenSan News Online. September 25, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2024.

Primary sources

In the text these references are preceded by a double dagger (‡):

  1. ^ "Bo's Coffee branches". Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
  2. ^ "Coffee Origins". Bo's Coffee. Archived from the original on February 5, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
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