Julie's: A Truly Philippine Bakery

CEBU, Philippines -  - When its down to handling the family business, Dianne M. Gandionco, Corporate Relations Supervisor of Julie’s Franchise Corporation (JFC), displays such command behind the scenes of a business founded over 28 years ago by her grandparents, Rodrigo and Julie Gandionco.

The business began as three family-operated concession stands, not knowing what a life-changing choice this would be. “It was exactly on the 6th of January 1981 when my Lola Julie opened the very first Julie’s Bakeshop located in Wireless, Mandaue,” Dianne shared.

Catering daily to many locals, as of June 2009, this successful business entity had 597 branches, inclusive of outlets, stalls and mall kiosks across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. And there is still more room for expansion.

As a business open to franchising, JFC has just celebrated its 10th year anniversary last July 10. “Having developed over the years, the skill to be able to manage our franchisees is to look at them as partners in this business,” Dianne elaborated.

In line with the selling proposition, each outlet produces freshly made bread on an hourly basis. Product selection varies at each branch. “The main-stay best sellers include Pinoy Pandesal (which also happens to be the number one selling product), Cheesebread, Bohol, Cheese Streussel and Mushroom, all products of good value”, Dianne points out.

Introducing new business ideas, Julie’s Bakeshop recently brought out the Nutribread line that uses coco flour enriched with protein, fiber and iron as well as the use of peddling carts to bring them closer to their customers, which makes them the first bakery to do so.

Though all branches can take orders for pickup, deliveries can only be requested at selected branches. Delivery orders will have to be made a day in advance for regular products, or 2 days in advance for premium selections. Bulk orders are welcomed as well if arranged at least 2 to 3 days prior. “You may contact your nearest Julie’s Bakeshop for further enquires,” she added

Remaining focused, Dianne compares the long hours “to walks in the park if you enjoy and love what you are doing. By loving what you do, it makes you strong enough to overcome obstacles that come your way, by giving you the opportunity to rise to the challenge.”

Dianne further explains: “We take it upon ourselves that what we do is not just our livelihood, but we aim to make it our mission as many others as well as ourselves benefit from this endeavour. We also help employ a lot of our fellow Filipinos most especially at this time of crisis. In this give and take relationship, we are happiest when our franchisees are happy, too.”

Distinct in comparison to other bakeshops, JFC includes a list of CSR activities. “We believe in our advocates of Health, Nutrition, Education and Moral Values which are highly important in shaping and improving the lives of Filipinos. For over 7 years now, we have been undertaking the Future Awards Program, a tie-up with the National Nutrition Council for our Nutrition Month. In addition, we also have an agreement with DepEd for our JFC Family Values Advocacy, wherein the very same principles of JFC are passed on to grade school students and their families. Last but not least, we have opened our Baking School at which we give the opportunity to the less fortunate to acquire simple baking skills and values of Julie’s Bakeshop.”

Just as Dianne’s grandmother Julie once said, “Julie’s Bakeshop is not just in the business of selling bread but in the business of giving our fellow Filipinos their daily bread.”