Monterey's Meat Shop Plus: A Story of Trust

In the Philippines, the franchising business has gained a lot of interest over the years. People are putting hard earned money into franchises because there is a system in place and there is a strong brand to invest on.

The food business has always gained more interest and is steadily growing because it addresses a basic need -- food. However, one of the challenges posed in the food business franchise is on how profitable and sustainable the business will be. Most of the time, this relies deeply on the mutual trust that exists between the franchisee and the franchisor, and in the trust that consumers will extend to the brand and its product.

Tess Kanapi has been a franchisee for Monterey in their Neighborhood Meat Shop for14 years now. The endeavor started when her family was offered by a good friend to try out the business. Finding reason in providing safer meats to Filipinos, her family went to push through with the plan. Their first franchise was started in Las Pinas. After the Las Pinas branch, they opened a branch in Imus and then in Muntinlupa. The business, being an early franchise, had its challenges, but the returns were favorable. Unfortunately, the death of the family patriarch led to dissolution of the nowfamily corporation and the various outlet ownerships were sold by the family.

However, thanks to her entrepreneurial vision, Tess saw the value of what a Monterey Meat Shop Plus intrinsically provides its consumers. "I knew that the meats we sold were clean and safe," she shares, "plus all vitamins that a person needs are preserved in the meat naturally because of the way the farm animals were raised in the San Miguel Pure Foods system."

Equipped with the knowledge, a burning passion for the brand and a selfless heart to help people, Tess took courage to continue the franchise. She got friends to partner with her and she kept the store in Cavite.

Tess says she enjoys what she does. From Imus, Tess transferred her shop to General Trias which brought her even closer to her market's community. "Keeping a Monterey Meat Shop Plus keeps me productive, "Tess said, "and it allows me to relate to different kinds of people. I love talking to my customers and making new friends. Over time you build good and lasting relationships with people who become your patrons."

Over time, Tess used the Monterey Meat Shop Plus as a channel for her personal mission to help. Aside from building good rapport with people and strong and lasting relationships with her clientele, Tess also makes sure her staff is developed and can grow alongside her success. One of her staff has been with her since she started the franchise and the rest of the team has been with her for at least a year. Tess said she loves the idea of being able to provide work for people and in the process be able to be an influence their lives. Tess has personally trained her staff in customer service, making certain they adhere to Monterey NMS food safety requirements and that they practice excellent hygiene.

Her store is only about 35 sqm. but all the meat displayed are fresh and the shop and prep area are clean. She makes sure her freezers and storage areas are kept within the right temperature to keep meats fresh. "Customers sometimes tend to compare you with wet market prices, but I take time explaining to them that with that Php5.00 difference, they are assured that their meats are safe and fresh. I remind them, especially the mothers, to remember that this is food they let their families eat, and its supposed to nourish them and not make them sick," Tess explained.

Tess has four children who are now all professionals. When asked what the secrets of the trade were for her, she gave a little laugh. "There's no secret at all. I've put my trust in a good brand, that is Monterey and give time to the business," she shares. "Of course, like in any other business, location is key. However, it also is a must for excellent service to be given to the neighborhood you serve. I tell my staff, whether the customer buys a piece of porkchop or ten kilos of it, treat them all the same. I've taught all my staff to be proactive in selling. We have delivery service so they give time calling customers and ask if they have meat and chicken requirements for the day or the week."

There were times Tess even had to make the deliveries herself or go out of her way just to be able to meet customer orders, especially when there are bulk orders for parties. "It's part of what I do. People trust you to be able to meet their needs because the brand represents trust as well," she shared, "I've had no problems with Monterey or San Miguel Pure Foods in the years I have been their franchisee. It has given me good returns. What I appreciate most about the company is that they are also willing to learn from their franchisee and that they keep an open communication. I've always put my trust on Monterey, because it is part of a company that Filipinos trust. I know they have excellent products with superior quality because San Miguel Pure Foods provides food to families from Farm to Plate"

For franchise inquiries, visit www.monterey.com.ph or call 633-MEAT (6328), 702-5569 or 0917-5371092.