A few years ago, very few people knew about the Taza Mia brand. That was before they started setting up shops in malls, first in Robinson’s Place and then in SM City Lipa.
With their arrivals in malls, people started taking notice. Here’s a brand that’s seemingly taking on the big brands head on.
Some people wondered if they’ll survive.
Fast forward to today and they didn’t just survive. They thrived.
About Taza Mia
Taza Mia is owned by Rodel G. Lacorte. Affectionately called Sir RGL by his peers and staff, Sir RGL is not one to shy away from challenges, as proven by him taking on the big boys of the coffee industry.
The inspiration behind the brand is Sir RGL’s travels abroad. Looking at and enjoying the homely and cozy ambiance of the coffee shops in Europe, Sir RGL dreamed of bringing the same experience to local shores. Taza Mia is the product of that dream.
Their pilot branch in San Pablo City in Laguna opened in April 2011 to serve as its R & D and trial store. It became an instant hit among the local travelers and tourists during its first months of operations. Prospective franchisees soon came knocking in, allowing the brand to grow at a rapid rate.
Now, it has branches all over CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon) and in the provinces of Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Baguio and Metro Manila.
Establishing a Stronghold in Lipa City
Right now, Taza Mia has the following branches in Lipa City:
- Robinson’s Place Lipa
- SM City Lipa
- High 5 Square
- De La Salle Lipa
- Lipa – Carmel (coming soon)
Needless to say, Taza Mia has found a home in Lipa City. I asked Sir RGL why he chose Lipa City. He said that they identified Lipa as one of several GROWTH areas in the country and they fully expect the city to prosper. Sir RGL also recognizes the rising spending power of the city.
Another reason is their advocacy of reviving the Kapeng Barako industry. This advocacy is quite obvious when you take a look at their menu, as they carry the beloved Kapeng Barako as their signature brewed coffee.
On a more personal note, he had this to say.
“As the Founder of Taza Mia and a proud Lipeño at that, I felt the moral obligation to promote our own coffee. Taza Mia is likewise proud to say that we use local coffee from Lipa. And by way of opening more branches in Lipa, we know that we are able to do our part in promoting our local coffee,” said Sir RGL.
Keeping Up with the Big Players
It’s no secret that Taza Mia is competing with big coffee brands. As a trained and experienced CPA Management & Financial Consultant, Sir RGL knows what it takes to keep up, and in some areas outplay the big players. They do this by continuously innovating and developing new concepts and products that will suit the changing and increasing needs and demands of the market.
One good example is their introduction of the 24 hour format for their High 5 Square branch along Ayala Highway in Lipa. Realizing the growing and changing needs of millennials, they decided to introduce this format in order to satisfy those needs, and they’re doing it with great success.
Another good example is their decision to offer healthy food and drinks. Personally, I’m always on the lookout for healthier options and I’m sure most of our readers will agree that the city lacks in healthy options when it comes to food and drinks.
To address this growing need for healthy options, Taza Mia launched these products that are well-received by the market. Add that to the fact that coffee itself is widely-considered to be healthy because it’s an antioxidant and Taza Mia should be your go-to place for healthy meals and drinks.
I loved that their healthy meals and drinks are fresh and delicious. Unlike other healthy fares, you’ll actually enjoy eating and drinking these salads and fruit smoothies. You’ll forget that what you’re eating is actually good for you. This can help you sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Fresh ingredients are also used which is very important when it comes to salads and fruit smoothies. For salads, you’d still want that satisfying crunch. For fruit smoothies, you’d want to taste the freshness of the fruit.
Speaking of fresh smoothies…
This is not to say that you can’t expect to find treats here. They have something for everyone, including those who have a sweet tooth or a big appetite.
In addition, they’re also catering to a market untapped by the big players – those looking for a manageable venue for small events such as product demos, focus group discussions, business meetings, etc.
Taza Mia: Soon to be a Glocal Company?
Sir RGL shares his ambition of turning Taza Mia into a glocal company – a global company that’s proudly local. This has always been his dream. In fact, this is one of the reasons why the name Taza Mia is obviously built for the global market as it’s generic enough to be understood and embraced by the international market.
Taza Mia: Serving healthy and delicious food, refreshing drinks, and wide smiles to the international market soon!
It’s a dream that he sees happening within 3 years, starting with the ASEAN region. They’re currently in talks with potential partners, investors and suppliers from other countries. With their continuing research and development, an eye for growing needs, and a passion to satisfy those needs with consistency, I wouldn’t be surprised if that dream is reached sooner rather than later.
For now, let’s enjoy Taza Mia for what it currently is – a relaxing coffee shop that serves healthy and delicious meals and drinks.
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