In a remarkable testament to Filipino entrepreneurial spirit and franchising success, Julie’s Bakeshop is on the brink of a significant milestone. The President and CEO of Julie’s Bakeshop, Joseph Gandionco, recently made an exciting announcement, revealing that the iconic bakeshop chain, which had its humble beginnings over four decades ago in Cebu, is poised to open its 600th store in the third quarter of this year.
Founded by the visionary canteen operator, Julie Gandionco, Julie’s Bakeshop was conceived out of her necessity to provide bread products for her business. The journey began in 1981 when this enterprising Cebuana entrepreneur, then 50 years old, opened the first Julie’s Bakeshop in Wireless, Mandaue. Little did she know that this small venture would eventually evolve into the largest bakeshop chain in the Philippines.
“We are pleased to say that what my mother started has continued to grow and move forward of having a Julie’s in every barangay so that no Filipino goes hungry. When we celebrated our 40th year, we had 450 stores and more than 70 franchisees nationwide. As we hit our 42nd year in business, we are pushing to open our 600th. This milestone hopefully can serve as inspiration to our countless countrymen to realize that it is never too late to begin a business — that with the desire to do good, with the welfare of the community at the foundation, you are sure to succeed,” Gandionco said.
The community is at the heart of every Julie’s Bakeshop, which has been a commercial success and demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility, particularly during the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic swept the nation, Julie’s Bakeshop was among the first companies to respond to the call for assistance.
They initiated a crowd-sourcing program aimed at bolstering their bread donations to frontline workers. This initiative helped provide essential sustenance to those tirelessly battling the pandemic on the front lines. In addition, to ensure the continuity of their business during lockdowns and movement restrictions, Julie’s Bakeshop swiftly launched a delivery program, making their products accessible to customers even in these trying times.
The business spearheaded a reseller program known as “Sarap ng Buhay sa Tinapay” (The Joy of Life through Bread), which aimed to provide livelihood opportunities for local communities. This program not only empowered individuals to earn a living but also ensured that fresh, high-quality bread continued to reach households across the country.
As Julie’s Bakeshop approaches its 600th store opening in the third quarter of 2023, it stands as a shining example of Filipino resilience, entrepreneurship, and commitment to serving both the community and its customers. The bakeshop’s journey, from a single outlet to a formidable chain, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its founder, Julie Gandionco, and the enduring legacy she has created.