Family has always been at the heart of Julie’s, the nation’s beloved neighborhood bakeshop.
From second-generation president and chief executive Joseph Gandionco, son of founder Julie Gandionco, to numerous second and third-generation franchisees managing over 600 stores nationwide, families are the driving force behind Julie’s enduring commitment to providing fresh and affordable bread for Filipinos.
The company has achieved a well-balanced network, with 55 percent of branches company-owned and 45 percent operated by franchise partners.
“The longevity of our partnerships with franchisees, some of whom have been with us for over 20 years, is a testament to our business model. With 40 years of experience and expertise, we make it easy to invest in a sustainable and reliable venture,” Gandionco said.
Julie’s offers a variety of beloved products, including Cheese Bread, Julie’s Violet Cream Loaf, Spanish Bread, Choco German, and Binangkal. The brand prides itself on maintaining quality while ensuring operational efficiencies through strategic partnerships.
The flagship branch of Julie’s is located in Banilad, Cebu, where the original snack shop concept was launched. This innovative concept has now been introduced in selected branches throughout Cebu.
Heartwarming stories
Julie’s franchisees’ stories highlight how the company fosters a thriving, multi-generational business.
In 2001, Tony Mesina and his wife Mel returned to the Philippines to build a better future for their newborn child after years of working as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in China and Hong Kong.
“Though we had limited experience in doing business, and after consulting with our friends, we ventured into Julie’s Bakeshop because we believe that a food business is more resilient,” Mesina recalled.
Today, more than two decades since opening their first branch, Mesina oversees eight Julie’s Bakeshops in Baguio and La Trinidad, employing around 120 people. Their success has inspired the Mesina children to follow in their footsteps.
“We support and teach them the day-to-day operations, financial management, and, most importantly, people-handling skills. These are crucial for the success of the business,” he said.
Creating legacies
Tronnie Paunlagui grew up familiar with the family’s bakeshop before eventually taking over her parents’ Julie’s branch in Quezon City.
“My mom would often say that she will take care of this business for me in the meantime. She was caring for it, nurturing it so that she could pass it on to me as a legacy,” Paunlagui recounted.
After retiring early from her corporate job, Paunlagui fully immersed herself in managing the franchise.
In 2019, she officially took ownership of the business her parents had nurtured for over three decades. For her, the trust and reputation of Julie’s as a brand are key factors in its enduring success.
“Julie’s as a brand is now synonymous with the Filipino family. Every Filipino knows that we are the neighborhood bakeshop that can supply homes with hot, tasty, and quality breads,” Paunlagui said, adding that she is open to the possibility of passing on the torch to her two kids.
Path ahead
Gandionco is enthusiastic about expanding Julie’s franchise family and encourages more Filipinos to join. He believes that new franchisees can replicate the successes of existing members like Mesina and Paunlagui.
“We’re always eager to welcome new members into the Julie’s franchise family. Each addition brings us closer to fulfilling our founder’s vision of providing nourishment to Filipino communities,” he said.
