Figaro Coffee Co., the country's largest Filipino-owned coffee company, plans to open one to two outlets each month or about 18 stores this year for total investments of P78 million to accelerate expansion of its already 65 coffee shops nationwide.

Ace L. Azarraga, marketing manager of Figaro Coffee Systems Inc., said that each store is estimated to cost between P6.5 million. The company has just opened two stores in DBP Makati and Dasmariñas Cavite recently.

"Figaro Coffee Company is now keeping a critical eye on expanding in our home-market, which will focus mostly on business districts around the country as we want more and more people to experience our local barako coffee," Azarraga said.

The expansion program is in line with the company's tradition to continue serving the finest native barako coffee in the country by opening more Figaro outlets.

Azarrage said that DBP Makati branch, which opened last June 16, is a full store carrying the complete line-up of coffee drinks, breakfast, pasta, pizza, all day breakfast, ala carte, sandwiches and pastries. Located at the ground floor of DBP building, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., cor., Makati Ave., Makati City, the store is perfect for business and casual meetings, or alone moments.

Figaro opened the Dasmariñas, Cavite branch last June 17 which was graced by Cavite Governor Ayong Maliksi, Congressman Pidi Barzaga and friends of the store's franchisees led by Sheila Mondarin and Arnulfo Mondarin.

The Cavite branch is located at #29 Abad Santos Ave., Salawag, Dasmariñas City Cavite.

Figaro Dasmariñas Cavite aims to cater to residents of nearby posh villages and golf enthusiast. The branch offers signature Figaro coffee and pastries.

Figaro is set to open 1 to 2 stores for each month nationwide, promising more exciting coffee blends, updated menu and more promotional programs to satisfy its growing number of customers.

"As we continue to expand, more and more Filipino coffee farmers are benefited. Figaro Coffee Company only buys local coffee beans,” Azarraga said.

Apart from the DBP Makati and Dasmariñas Cavite, Figaro has also recently opened stores in the Angeles Pampanga, Malolos, Bulacan and Ali Mall Cubao.

All serve the Figaro signature beverages alongside an array of delectable breakfast sets, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, salad and pastries.

Of the 65 Figaro branches nationwide, of which most are in Luzon, 35 are franchise-owned and 30 are company-owned.

Established in 1993, Figaro is a 100-percent Filipino-owned company whose product lines include specialty roasted local coffee varieties and various coffee-related paraphernalia.