Who would have thought that a South Korean brand will arrive in the quiet city of Bacolod and give a jolt to the already vibrant food scene in the City of Smiles? Tom N Toms Coffee, which first opened ApGuJeong-Dong in Seoul in 2001 and now in the US, China, Australia, Mongolia, Qatar, Thailand and Singapore, chose Bacolod as the first location in the Philippines to have its doors open.
But why Bacolod? According to Tom N Toms Coffee CEO Kim Do Kyun, who flew all the way from South Korea to Bacolod, said that the people in the city are nice and friendly (oh yes, I totally agree!) For Peter Kim, Tom N Toms Coffee Philippines President, he simply quipped during a small chat before the press conference “because I live here!”
Tom N Toms Coffee is strategically located on the corners of 26th and Lacson Streets, a major highway, and is easily accessible to various kinds of public utility vehicles and is in close proximity to residential areas, schools, offices, hospitals, hotels, tourism attractions, and several notable businesses and establishments. The store is a two-storey, 700 square-meter building that can seat as much as 260 people. It’s a relaxing place to hang out and enjoy a quiet afternoon or coffee with friends, while it is also ideal for small celebrations.
The store includes seating areas designed for a group of three or more customers, semi-private business rooms with separate electricity outlets, high-speed wireless internet, adequate parking spaces, smoking and non-smoking areas, and various seasonal promotions, among other services.
When it comes to drinks and food, Tom N Toms Coffee definitely has an edge among other known coffee chains. Since it was the first to establish its own roasting factory in the industry, it brings 100% fresh Arabica beans to each store. With its coffee academy, it can carry out continuous product research and development in order to provide the best quality to its customers. Plus, it is the only coffee brand that serves freshly-baked pretzels with its set of signature recipes, not to mention its soothing smoothies.
I’m glad to have another food joint here in town, with a bit of Korean flavor at that. Bacolod is happy to welcome another restaurant, eatery or coffee shop in its midst as it grows to become a food junkie haven here in the Philippines.
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