Chit Juan, co-chairwoman of the Philippine Coffee Board (PCB), says Filipino entrepreneurs are keen on establishing their own coffee shops rather than buying franchises or becoming part of coffee shop chains.

Juan made this assessment after discussing with the many participants in the recently-held seminar entitled “How to put up a coffee shop” sponsored by PCB.

She added that PCB had to hold another seminar on October 28 to accommodate many investors who were not able to attend the first event last October 20.

“We did not expect such a huge turnout,” Juan said.

She is the head marketer of the Kape Isla brand of the seven-year old coffee body.

“We had attendees who are parents with their college graduate kids, family members planning to put up a business, balikbayans looking for investment opportunities,” Juan continued.

The cost of a coffee shop ranges from P1 million to P3 million depending on space, she stressed.

“You have to use the right equipment, professional coffee machines, and good grinders and brewers,” she added.

The entry of foreign chains in 1997 sparked the coffee shop trend which now has many brands and chains, some of them having as many as 150 outlets around the country.

Bo’s Coffee has opened its 40th store recently while the foreign-based Gloria Jeans has about 29 outlets.

Juan said many independent brands have sprung up, particularly in the provinces.

General Santos has Club 101 and Fagioli and Naga has Beanbags. Iloilo has Coffee Club and Blue Jay while Bacolod as Kafea.