The French Baker, a pioneering store concept in the Philippines offering European style breads in the mass market, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
“It was in 1985 when I travelled to Europe for the first time that I fell in love with Paris and her baked goodies. Since then I’ve dreamt of doing the same so that I can impart a similar experience in the Philippines,” shared Johnlu G. Koa, professor turned entrepreneur, and now Founder and CEO of The French Baker.
Koa is also the first Filipino entrepreneur in the history of Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) to be recognized in the Outstanding Category.
Opening its first branch at the SM City North Edsa in 1989, The French Baker began as a startup selling French-inspired breads and pastries such as baguettes, croissants, sourdough and tarts alongside local favorites like pan de sal and ensaymada, until it expanded into a casual dine-in that also offers soups, salads, pasta and pizza.
It was the first establishment to introduce European-style breads and pastries in the Philippine market, and the first to employ the nightly half-price sale to ensure the freshness of baked goods to be sold the next day.
Today, The French Baker has 52 branches all over the country, and has expanded to include The French Baker “Salon de The” edition.