TONY TAN CAKTIONG
BUSINESS MAGNATE
In Manila, it’s practically impossible to travel a few blocks and not spot a Jollibee branch. Its ubiquity can easily be justified though. After all, with quality, Pinoy-catered food, such as their famously irresistible chicken joy, at affordable rates, it’s no coincidence that the Jollibee has enjoyed such incredible success. Hell, even Anthony Bourdain liked it.
The man behind it all, Tony Tan Caktiong, founded Jollibee in 1978 as an ice cream shop. Not long after, burgers were put on the menu and the rest is history. “Before we knew it, the burgers are selling more than the ice cream so we decided to change the business and incorporated the company to Jollibee in 1978,” says Caktiong. “Ever since then, we made good on our commitment to provide excellent, affordable, greattasting food, which our customers really liked.”
Jollibee’s success is also due to the fact that the food is catered specifically with Pinoy taste buds in mind. Thus Jollibee has become a staple both here and abroad. “Jollibee’s edge is that our products are especially tailored to Filipinos,” he continues.
Tony Tan Caktiong’s Jollibee has become a significant part of Philippine culture, both locally and internationally. He has not only provided his countrymen with quality food, but a sense of togetherness and nostalgia for the millions living away. “Global Pinoy, for me, means the ability of the Filipino to be recognized on his sterling achievements and numerous innovations not just by the international community but more so by his fellowmen. He/she continues to make every Filipino proud that he/ she is their fellow kababayan, their fellow kapatid. At the same time, he/she also does not forget his/her beginnings and always looks for ways to give back to his country and his fellowmen. It is the company’s dream, to make Jollibee Foods Corporation truly a global brand that will make the whole world admire Filipinos.” Based on Jollibee’s growth in the past few years, Mr. Tan Caktiong is certainly on his way to doing just that.