Binalot Foods Corp., the fast-casual brand famed for meals wrapped in banana leaves, is sharpening its growth playbook as it deepens its Philippine footprint and eyes a return to overseas markets.
President and Chief Executive Officer Rommel Juan said the company expects sustained momentum, anchored on franchising and more aggressive expansion in the provinces.
This year, Binalot granted 25 franchises and opened 10 stores. For 2026, the company plans to award 30 new franchises, with priority given to Visayas and Mindanao locations.
Binalot will invest in backend infrastructure, particularly provincial commissaries, to support faster scaling.Juan said the company plans to issue provincial licenses next year, paving the way for commissary facilities outside Metro Manila. These are expected to improve operational efficiency, ensure product consistency, and enable quicker store rollouts as the network grows.
Binalot currently operates 39 stores nationwide, 10 of which are company-owned, while the rest are run by franchise partners.
The company is also keeping the door open to international expansion, drawing lessons from earlier attempts in the Middle East. Binalot previously opened several outlets in Dubai before the pandemic, though the stores eventually closed.
Juan acknowledged intensifying competition in the food and beverage sector, as new local and foreign concepts continue to enter the market. Binalot is doubling down on product innovation and service improvements, while staying rooted in Filipino flavors to stay competitive.
Binalot recently rolled out the Binalot Bulk Order Bonanza, featuring Tampipi Meals and the Binalot Boodle Box, to complement its core menu. The offerings cater to group orders, highlighting native presentation, reusable packaging, and communal Filipino dining experiences. Management said demand from corporate clients and families continue to rise, supporting volumes and franchisee confidence nationwide.
