Café 86 Expands California Presence
Café 86, a franchise known for its Filipino-inspired desserts and beverages, has signed two new franchise agreements in California. The move, announced on February 16, continues the fast-casual brand's expansion within the state. The company has gained popularity for its unique menu offerings, including ube-based treats.
- The new franchise agreements will bring Café 86 locations to Monterey County and Indio, California, adding to a company portfolio that is now approaching 50 units in operation or development. - Café 86 was founded in Chino, California, in 2014 by the husband-and-wife team of Ginger and James Dimapasok. The name is a nod to the 1986 Toyota Corolla, a car popular in James's automotive enthusiast circles, for whom the original café was envisioned as a meeting spot. - The brand's rapid expansion is managed in collaboration with West Coast Franchise Developers (WCFD) and Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS), which support its franchise sales and development. - Recent openings for the brand also include locations in Placentia, Milpitas, Lancaster, and Roseville, all in California. - The café's signature ingredient, ube (a purple yam), has seen a surge in mainstream popularity, with both *Forbes* and *The New York Times* listing it as a flavor of the year in 2023. The ingredient's vibrant purple color has made it a viral sensation on social media platforms like Instagram. - The growth of niche, culturally-specific brands like Café 86 reflects the broader expansion of the Filipino restaurant market, which reached a global size of $6.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $12.16 billion by 2033.
