Starbuck’s is coming to Davao, like it or not. So the rumors say. They are planning four locations there, the first being in the new Alaya operated Abreeza Mall, which is due to open early this year. Depending upon your perspective, this could be a good or bad thing.
The are many local Davao coffee shops currently. A surprising amount really. I’ve been to at least four different companies, and to various locations for those companies. They all did an adequate job, and I can’t even tell you what my favorite would be. These are are few that I’ve visited and been happy with:
- Basti’s Brew
- Bo’s Coffee Club
- BluGre Café
- Chicco de Caffe
One thing that Starbucks offers that I’ve not found at the shops in Davao is soy milk. I’m not saying none of the shops in Davao offer soy milk as an alternative, but none of the ones I’ve gone to do, nor has anyone I asked been able to tell of a shop that did. Not very popular there, I suppose. There is also the matter of the extra cost, and as espresso drinks are very expensive to the average filipino anyway (to me too, for that matter), that might be another factor.
I think part of the appeal of Starbucks is the known entity that one will encounter. If I’m new to a place, it is a pretty safe bet to stop at a Starbucks and find basically the same items, and receive the level of service. That includes Wi-Fi, which is free at all Starbucks, at least it is in the US now.
Starbucks isn’t the cheapest, but I’ve noticed, when in Manila, that their prices are a little bit better than over here in the US. I don’t recall any of the local Davao establishments being particularly inexpensive either, so I doubt that will be a real factor in ones choice of where to go.
It will be interesting to see how many Starbucks are open, and how they have been received by the time I make my next visit to the area. I suspect that they will be doing very well, and so will all or most of the local companies. Coffee shops seem to be unexpectedly popular in Davao, with no sign of that trend diminishing soon. At least that’s the impression I get when in town.
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Jan 09, 2011 @ 16:01:26
Just FYI…. of the 4 coffee shops you mentioned, only two are local. Those two are Blugre and Basti’s. Bo’s is from Cebu. Figaro is from Manila.
Jan 09, 2011 @ 16:55:35
Thanks for the clarification, Bob. Someone may have mentioned to me about Figaro before (I can’t recall), but I had thought Bo’s was from Davao. At least they are all Philippine based.
Jan 16, 2011 @ 02:37:01
For sure they will do very well. My concern is that the local industry does not suffer.
I’m not a fan of the idea of Starbucks coming to Davao, but it is inevitable & I’m resigned to the fact. It is a known entity for sure. If it pushes the local cafes to raise their game & give the public better options, then that is one good thing I can get behind.
I hosted a friend who came to Davao last year to supervise the Abreeza Mall construction (He’s from upper office planning in Manila) and he told me some interesting plans for the Mall. There will be more shopping options for Davao for sure. Some of it I am quite happy about (bookstores, maybe Mexican food etc). I’m not a mall guy, but it was refreshing to see that the planning including trying to understand the city & finding out what the preferences of the Davao residents are.
Good luck with the traffic in that part of town though.
Jan 16, 2011 @ 11:40:10
A good point, Macky. Competition is usually a good thing for the consumer. The impression that I’ve gotten from folks that I’ve spoken with in the Davao area is that most of them are pretty loyal to the local shops. Wouldn’t be surprised if they try Starbucks but go back to their favorite. I could see me going to both. Mostly a convenience factor. I do the same thing here. I have my favorites, but if I’m traveling out of town for work for instance, I almost always stop at a Starbucks. I know I’ll get WiFi and exactly the same choices for lunch and beverage.
I think Starbucks will do very well with visitors that don’t have the time or inclination to check out the local shops to find one they like. There is probably room for everybody, but competition will naturally push out those that are not cutting it, one way or another.
Jan 16, 2011 @ 14:25:48
One really good thing just occurred to me… breakfast bagels in Davao. Finally. This is great news for me.
I hear you on the convenience factor. I oftentimes hung out a starbucks branch when I lived in Mexico. I tried to frequent the local cafes as much as I could, but many times familiarity & consistent quality rules the day.
I guess my hesitation comes from my countrymen’s penchant to glamorize anything famously American/foreign. We do have our hang ups with seeing local offerings as inferior. This is the part that concerns me when an international brand like SB comes in & I worry about the local small business.
Jan 16, 2011 @ 16:41:52
BTW thanks for the info on Abreeza Mall. I don’t really like to hang out at malls either, but it’s nice to hear that there will be some new options there. The Mexican Restaurant is a welcome addition for me, for sure. With any luck they should be open by the time I make it back to Davao again.
Jan 19, 2011 @ 07:23:23
By the way, these are just unconfirmed plans & the during the early planning stages (May/June ’10). He & his Abreeza team met up with Davao locals, which I organized, and discussed the needs of the city. I was one of those heavily pushing for a bookstore & a legit mexican franchise. Good thing is they were receptive to the idea. Of course, the other locals had to chime in with their interest in having a Wendy’s & Burger King in the city to my utmost horror, haha.
But Starbucks in Davao is for sure confirmed. I heard rumors of 3 stores opening. Emphasis on rumor.
Jan 19, 2011 @ 12:26:17
Well Wendy’s & Burger King aren’t high on my list, more accurately not on my list at all, but I guess you take the good with the bad in a mall environment.
Is that mall on schedule or is it delayed in it’s opening? I may have heard something about some construction issues?
Jan 20, 2011 @ 07:21:34
I don’t know. I heard it’s delayed, but here, as you already know, being delayed is par for the course & being right on schedule is essentially an act of god . There was a construction problem mid-last year that resulted in a worker’s death. I don’t know what came of it, but the usual finger pointing (Mall/Contractor/City) definitely happened. Still, large banners were put up all over the city this week to advertise that that Abreeza Mall is now hiring.
The SM mall in Lanang (where the old golf club used to be) has just started going full throttle this month. logos are clearly painted on walls & large machines with muddy tracks are now very present.
Jan 22, 2011 @ 09:09:03
I don’t mean to monopolize this page. Just a quick follow up. Saw an ad post on the local daily today for a Mexican restaurant w/ job openings at their Abreeza Mall outlet. As always, height and age limits apply. I guess the rumors are true.
Jan 22, 2011 @ 15:28:55
Wala’y problema. Updates are always welcome.
That’s really great new about the Mexican restaurant. Let’s hope they do it right. It would be a welcome addition to me, even if I just a visitor for now.
I suppose I’m too tall and too old to work there
Looks there should be a couple of new good malls to visit there soon. Can’t have too many malls
May 02, 2011 @ 02:53:28
The entry of Starbucks Davao is quite a welcome to the Davao’s coffee lover; a lot are much eager for its coming to Davao as the new avenue of zip zaps and business gossips…. welcome to Davao Starbucks Coffee…
May 02, 2011 @ 08:29:11
Though not everyone views Starbucks coming to Davao as a good thing, I think overall it will be positive for the region. There should be enough business for all the coffee shops as long as they are doing a good job, and especially if they can differentiate themselves somewhat.
Competition is good. Starbucks is a BIG name and adds clout to Davao IMO.
Power Mac Center Abreeza Mall Davao | Journey to Samal
May 22, 2011 @ 11:03:30
[...] mentioned Starbucks before, and I understand that they are open for business, marking the the first location in Davao [...]
Sep 15, 2011 @ 04:31:15
Good morning sir I am jane just call my nickname sengi . Sir I would like to apply as a Barista to your wonderful coffee shop one of the biggest and special test good coffee of worlwide.I am willing and very precious to be part of your success I am willing to be trained as your trainee.I hope you give me chance to work and to became as a asset to your growth and success.I am her in Davaolocation I hope you accept my details information sir.I am so glad to be your employee.Thank you and have a nice day.
Sep 15, 2011 @ 17:23:17
Maayong buntag, Jane.
Let me clarify that I do not own this or any Starbucks store.
As it appears you have already given them your resume, I wish you luck on your quest. If you haven’t, then I recommend applying in person and requesting and interview.
Best wishes.
Davao Top Ten To Do | Journey to Samal
Oct 25, 2013 @ 22:38:56
[…] visit, but it has produced a lot of hype already. If nothing else, it is suppose to house the first Starbucks in the Davao region. There are many high end specialty stores expected there, too, including a […]