The 2024 NxtGen in Franchising Philippines competition showcased the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Filipino businesses, particularly those deeply rooted in local culture. The event, held during the Franchise Asia Philippines International Conference, honored four area winners who have displayed groundbreaking franchise ideas from across the nation.
Representing NCR, Casa Bernas, founded by Elgyn Bernas, reimagines traditional Filipino delicacies into premium gourmet versions. Casa Bernas, which began during the pandemic, offers a range of kakanin such as Kutsinta and Puto Bumbong with a gourmet twist, earning both local celebrity endorsements and impressive sales growth. Bernas attributes their success to their focus on quality and authenticity, earning P3 million in revenue in 2023 from an initial P450,000 in 2020.
From Luzon, Libro Espresso, led by Gemma Berania, merges a café with a literacy-driven library. The café promotes a reading advocacy by offering over 3,000 books that customers can read or borrow through a membership program. Beyond serving coffee and food, Libro Espresso drives change by fostering literacy and partnerships with public schools. The café’s innovative approach has seen it achieve an impressive 57 percent return on investment (ROI) within just a year of operations.
Tsoko Specialty Drinks, based in Visayas and co-owned by Ejay Christian Co, brings the flavors of Filipino desserts and drinks into one unique experience. Their drinks use locally sourced ingredients from across the Philippines and combine Filipino flavors into a modern, nostalgic beverage experience. Tsoko has garnered widespread attention, with over 3,000 franchise inquiries both locally and internationally. Co emphasized the business’s commitment to community building, tapping into local farmers to elevate Filipino agriculture alongside its growing business.
Representing Mindanao, Barbeque Boss, a Davao-based institution for over 25 years, introduced a new takeout concept called Barbeque Boss Express. This innovation offers the brand’s famous pork barbecue in a convenient bucket for quick service, priced affordably at P10.50 per stick. Barbeque Boss has seen steady growth, with an average annual sales increase of 14 percent from 2017 to 2023. The brand also supports community initiatives, particularly in education and sports, helping students graduate through their outreach programs.
In the competition’s climax, Tsoko Specialty Drinks won the grand prize, earning 49 percent of the on-site votes for its innovative fusion of Filipino desserts and drinks, interactive customer experience, and community-driven mission.
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