Everyone had the greatest shock of their lives this past week when news of Japanese third wave coffee shop % Arabica suddenly closed up all its branches in the Philippines without saying a word to its Filipino customers. As the news of its disappearance blew up online, % Arabica released an official statement explaining their sudden pull-out from the country.
“Dear customers in the Philippines, our franchise period with the current partner has ended yesterday, and we have agreed 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,” they began.
But here’s good news: the coffee chain has already selected a new local partner and will be coming back later this year! Guess there was no need for goodbyes after all.
“We have selected a new partner already and will make a fresh start this year to expand throughout the country. 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,” they added.
% Arabica is a coffeehouse chain based in Kyoto, Japan known best for using custom-made espresso machines to craft their drinks, including the popular Spanish Latte. They’ve currently expanded to 17 countries across the world.
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