The Common Man Coffee Roasters is one of Singapore’s most beloved cafés. Soon, Filipinos can find a new hotspot to work or hang out with family or friends while enjoying a great selection of coffee and pastries right at the heart of Makati.

MANILA, Philippines. October 24, 2023 – Filipino diners and coffee enthusiasts will soon enjoy the delicious offerings of one of Singapore’s most beloved cafés, Common Man Coffee Roasters, after the Jollibee Group signed a contract with Ayala Malls for the brand’s first location in the Philippines. The store will open this year at the heart of Makati’s central business district – The Restaurants at The Ayala Triangle Gardens.

The Common Man Coffee Roasters operates all-day dining restaurants in Singapore and Malaysia, with an aim to be a Champion for Specialty Coffee and Best All-Day Brunch concept in Asia. Common Man Coffee Roasters also does coffee roasting, sale of coffee products, and operates Coffee Barista Academy.

The Jollibee Group announced in August its joint venture with Food Collective, Pte. Ltd. (FCPL) to own and operate Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. The Jollibee Group owns 60% of the business.

Prime location for first store

“Location is key in establishing Common Man’s foothold in the country,” said William Tan Untiong, Jollibee Group Chief Real Estate and Design Officer. “The Ayala Triangle Gardens is at the heart of Makati’s Central Business District and a hub for many great concepts in the city. For this reason, it is only fitting that we set up shop in this prime location that will enable us to fully bring the signature Common Man Coffee Roasters concept to life.”

Michael Bovell, General Manager of Spa Esprit Food Group, which operates Common Man Coffee Roasters in Singapore, shared: “We are excited to launch Common Man Coffee Roasters in Manila at this very special location in Ayala Triangle. As with all our cafes, the café design is very creative and not the run of the mill. We are also excited to have a roastery on site so we can showcase the roasting process to our customers, offering a dining and sensory experience.”

“We are so thrilled to welcome Common Man Coffee Roasters in one of the most unique retail spaces in the country – a place where lasting memories are made, friendships flourish, and the spirit of community thrives,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President.

“On a personal note, Common Man holds a special place in my heart, as it was my favorite cafe when I lived in Singapore a few years ago,” she added.

Celebrating partnerships

Joining Tan Untiong and Bovell during the contract signing were Jollibee Group’s Joseph Tanbuntiong, Chief Business Officer; and JJ Alano, Group Head for Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery. Representing the Ayala Malls were Chris Maglanoc, President; AC Legarda, VP for Operations; and Iza Arcilla, Ayala Triangle Gardens and Greenbelt General Manager for The Shops and Restaurants.

The momentous occasion concluded with an unveiling of the first look of The Common Man Coffee Roasters at Ayala Triangle. Very soon, Filipinos can find a new hotspot to work or hang out with family or friends while enjoying a great selection of coffee and pastries right at the heart of Makati.

To know more about Common Man Coffee Roasters, visit https://commonmancoffeeroasters.com/

Other photos:

Representing one of Singapore’s most beloved cafés during the contract signing is Michael Bovell, General Manager of Spa Esprit Food Group, which operates Common Man Coffee Roasters in Singapore.

Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President, shared that Common Man holds a special place in her heart, as it was her favorite cafe when she lived in Singapore a few years back.

It’s a deal! The Jollibee Group signed a contract with Ayala Malls for the brand’s first location in the Philippines. The store will open this year at The Restaurants at The Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City.