Gokongweis rebrand Ministop as Uncle John’s

MANILA, Philippines — Ministop Philippines is now Uncle John’s, as part of its ownership change after the Gokongwei Group bought out its Japanese partner in the convenience store chain earlier this year.

The Gokongwei-led retail arm Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI), through its wholly owned subsidiary Robinsons Supermarket Corp., acquired the remaining 40 percent stake of Ministop Japan in Robinsons Convenience Store Inc., increasing its share to 100 percent from 60 percent previously.

It paid P200 million to buy out its Japanese partner.

The new name banked on the popularity of the store’s Uncle John’s Fried Chicken, a statement from the Gokongwei group said.

“It is also a celebration of the legacy of the late founder, Mr. John Gokongwei Jr. of Robinsons Retail, the holding company of the convenience store chain,” it said.

RRHI president and CEO Robina Gokongwei-Pe, eldest daughter of the late tycoon, said it was a top choice among the entries submitted to a contest held in the first half of the year, which sought suggestions for a new name for Ministop.

“Uncle John’s has become a household name for consumers on-the-go, looking for convenient options without sacrificing quality and taste in food,” said Suresh Ramalinggam, general manager of Robinsons Convenience Stores Inc.

“Using it as the platform in the reinvention of our stores provides us with a stronger brand story that our customers can relate to,” Ramalinggam added.

In 2000, RRHI partnered with Ministop Co. and Mitsubishi Corp. to establish Ministop in the Philippines.

In 2018, RRHI raised its stake and acquired Mitsubishi’s shares in the joint venture company, eventually bringing RRHI’s ownership to 60 percent from 51 percent previously.

Originally from Japan, Ministop has become one of the best-known convenience stores among urban communities and business districts in Metro Manila, areas in Luzon and Visayas.

The rebranded Ministop will offer new products and will continue to carry its popular offerings.