After two years of relentless effort, strategic pivots, and meticulous due diligence, John Michael Gonzalez, Co-Founder and CEO of World Coffee Philippines Inc.—has successfully attracted and secured a seven-digit angel investment to fuel the expansion of his beverage brand.
Known for building the successful BigZ Burger brand, which has grown to almost 100 branches across Luzon and continues to gain strong traction, Gonzalez brings to the table a unique blend of sales and marketing expertise combined with a solid culinary background—giving him a deep, hands-on understanding of the food and beverage market.
This latest milestone represents a pivotal moment in his journey, laying the foundation for World Coffee & Tea’s next phase of growth, brand evolution, and strategic entry into key mall locations nationwide.
At the heart of this achievement is a dedicated and dynamic core team. Leading operations alongside Michael Gonzalez is his fiancée, Serving as General Manager, Ms. Shein Vee Olarte leverages her 10-year background in the beverage industry to drive WCPI growth. Supporting the growth strategy are Ms. Deanne Gonzalez (Franchise & Business Development), Mr. Herson Llenado (Operations Manager), Mr. Jeff Toledo (R&D Leader), Ms. Cha Tesoro (Finance), Mr. Sotelle Panaligan (Expansion & Growth Manager), and the vibrant Marketing and Creatives team headed by Ms. Hanna Cruz and Ms. Shaira Sabanat. Together, they represent the brand’s driving force—aligned by passion, grit, and a shared vision. For this team, the sky is truly the limit.
Backing this vision are World Coffee’s newly onboarded angel investors—a seasoned and respected power couple from Rizal with an impressive background in food and beverage investments, supply chain, and logistics. Their experience and strategic resources are expected to play a crucial role in scaling the brand across Luzon and beyond, as the company pushes toward its target of 50 branches by the end of 2026.
Their menu starts at just ₱35, offering an affordable yet exciting selection. Their unique selling proposition includes a diverse lineup featuring Buy 1 Take 1 Shakerato, Hot/Iced Coffee, Blended Coffeeccino, and non-coffee beverages. They are also set to launch a distinct Milk tea range made without the use of ordinary powdered mixes. To tap into new markets, they will introduce a variety of uniquely flavored ice creams.
Driven by a goal-oriented and visionary leader with relentless ambition, committed and experienced core team, and strong investor network, World Coffee & Tea is poised to disrupt the specialty beverage space in the Philippines. This latest development isn’t just a win for the company—it’s a win for Filipino entrepreneurship and the future of homegrown brands ready to take on the global stage soon.
From a World of Coffee to a World of Journeys
What began as a deep passion for coffee—each cup igniting ambition, connection, and everyday inspiration—has evolved into something even greater. As our community grew, so did our realization: not every journey starts with caffeine. Some are nurtured in quiet reflection, comfort, or joy—shared over a cup of tea or a scoop of flavorful ice cream, especially beloved by the younger generation.
And so, we expanded.
World Coffee & Tea is more than just a name change—it’s a reflection of the diverse paths our customer travel. Whether you’re chasing energy, finding calm, or creating joyful moments with loved ones, we’re here to be part of that experience.
Welcome to World Coffee & Tea—where every journey has its flavor, and every flavor has a story.
Business News Philippines was launched in October 2015 as a portal for readers to learn more about operating a business in the Philippines.
