Family has always been at the core of Julie’s, the country’s favorite neighborhood bakeshop. From second-generation president and CEO Joseph Gandionco, son of brand matriarch Julie Gandionco, to numerous second- and third-generation franchisees in charge of over 600 stores nationwide, families are the beating heart that strengthens Julie’s commitment to serve fresh and affordable breads to Filipinos.
“The longevity of our partnerships with our franchisees, some of whom have been with us for more than 20 years, is a testament to the business. With 40 years of experience and expertise, we can assure them of making it easy to venture into an investment that can be sustainable and reliable,” the younger Gandionco said.
The stories of these Julie’s franchisees prove how the company was able to provide a thriving and successful business that lasts for generations.
Beginnings and successes
Building a better future for their newborn child inspired Tony Mesina and his wife Mel to return to the Philippines in 2001 after years of working as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in China and Hong Kong.
“Though we had limited experience in doing business, and after consulting with our friends, we ventured into Julie’s Bakeshop because we believe that a food business is more resilient,” Mesina recalled.
More than two decades after opening their first Julie’s bakeshop, Mesina now oversees the operations of eight branches in Baguio and La Trinidad, which provide employment to around 120 people.
The family’s success has inspired the Mesina children to venture into the baking business. “We support and teach them in the day-to-day operation, financial aspect and, most importantly, people-handling skills, as these are essential for the success of the business,” Mesina said.
At the helm of Julie’s growing family is second-generation president and CEO Joseph Gandionco, son of founder Julie Gandionco. With him is brand ambassador Kim Chiu, whose sister, Lakam, owns Julie’s stores in Luzon.
Julie’s growing family
Tronnie Paunlagui, meanwhile, already knew her way around the bakeshop before taking over her parents’ Julie’s branch in Quezon City.
“My mom would often say that she will take care of this business for me in the meantime. She was really caring for it, nurturing it so that she could pass it on to me as a legacy,” Paunlagui recounted.
She chose to retire early from her corporate job and focus on learning the ins and outs of being a Julie’s franchisee. In 2019, Paunlagui officially took ownership of their family’s franchise, with the commitment to care for the business that her parents nurtured for more than three decades.
For her, while a food business is almost always lucrative, investing in a widely-trusted brand is also a key factor to success.
“Julie’s as a brand is now synonymous with the Filipino family. Every Filipino knows that we are the neighborhood bakeshop that can supply homes with hot, tasty, and quality breads,” Paunlagui said, adding that she is open to the possibility of passing on the torch to her two kids.
Gandionco, on his part, expressed hopes that Filipinos with an eye for business can replicate Mesina’s and Paunlagui’s successes as Julie’s franchisees. “We are always excited to have new members of the Julie’s franchise family as it moves us a step further with our founder’s vision of feeding Filipino communities.”
For more details on becoming a franchisee, visit Julie’s website or follow its Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) pages. Julie’s franchise packages include the franchise fee, pre-opening and opening packages, machines and signages, and training, along with store construction that will serve as the main production site.
