Japanese coffee chain % Arabica confirms its current franchise has ended—but assures it will still continue to expand in the PH
Popular Japanese coffee chain % Arabica confirmed to its loyal customers that its franchise with its current partner has ended in the Philippines.
% Arabica said in a statement on Facebook on Monday, Jan. 31 that they’ve “agreed with its current partner” not to “continue the collaboration for the next term.”
“We appreciate very much their enormous efforts in running the business in the difficult COVID time,” the coffee chain added.
The Japanese coffee chain also clarified that it has already found a new partner and will still continue to expand in the Philippines. However, the establishment didn’t elaborate if it will rebrand or carry over its bestselling products.
“Please wait for a couple of months for the new opening announcement. We cannot wait to serve you our simple delicious coffee to you once again,” % Arabica said.
The coffee chain also explained to its customers that its Instagram page has been “hacked for the past few days” following speculations on social media.
Last Sunday, Jan. 30, netizens were confused to see % Arabica’s closed signs in its Bonifacio Global City branches.
What happened to Arabica? Both branches in BGC are closed. pic.twitter.com/MtpXJUWd1l
— Gino Nacianceno (@vote4gino) January 30, 2022
NO MORE % ARABICA
— psestocktipsdaily (@psetipsdaily) January 30, 2022
BYE SPANISH LATTE
THEY ALSO DEACTIVATED THEIR FB AND IG ACCOUNTS pic.twitter.com/NeZ5qGjpH0
The likelihood, rent agreements failed or baka nagkaissue ang both %Arabica HQ and the holding company in the PH. https://t.co/XBunbMZOEc
— austin|| working student era (@AJplus_size) January 30, 2022
So Arabica decided not to renew their contract with PH so the chain suddenly ghosted us. I will miss my Spanish latte and I’m thankful that I got a Chemex mug from them because I wanted one for so long but it wasn’t available elsewhere. It was sad but life goes on hehe. pic.twitter.com/EM8w7mQaGK
— Taemin (@poz_jt) January 31, 2022
Arabica pulling out from the PH.. it is truly breakup season ??
— ♭ea vene (@beahaus_) January 31, 2022
Meanwhile, Twitter user @yaaabbbsss is hopeful that % Arabica would rebrand, suggesting a different name for the coffee chain.
So Arabica’s pulling out of the PH and the local distributor will operate under a different name
— Matthew (@yaaabbbsss) January 30, 2022
It’s time for Percentage Coffee to become a reality
@poz_jt quipped that % Arabica ghosted its customers.
So Arabica decided not to renew their contract with PH so the chain suddenly ghosted us. I will miss my Spanish latte and I’m thankful that I got a Chemex mug from them because I wanted one for so long but it wasn’t available elsewhere. It was sad but life goes on hehe. pic.twitter.com/EM8w7mQaGK
— Taemin (@poz_jt) January 31, 2022
% Arabica is an independent coffee shop that was founded by Kenneth Shoji and World Latte Art champion Junichi Yamaguchi in Japan. The coffee chain previously had three branches in the Philippines, namely in 257 McKinley, Taguig City, W City Center in Taguig City, and The Podium in Mandaluyong City.
The coffee chain is popular for its Spanish Latte, Iced Latte, Matcha Latte, and its aesthetically pleasing interiors.