While many bakeshops have already opened shops in Cebu, one local brand remains a favorite among the Cebuanos.
Anita’s Bakeshop is already a household name when it comes to the best bread in town, and they are especially known for their Spanish bread and torta Cebuana.
The bakeshop celebrates 51 years this year and is poised to evolve into a brand that will also cater to new markets in Cebu.
At the helm of these exciting developments is 24-year-old Mia Cabinian, who belongs to the third generation of the family-run bakeshop business founded by their matriarch Anita in 1968.
A graduate of Psychology from the University of San Carlos, Mia admitted she never thought of joining the business although her father, Benjamin, who is the current General Manager, has always asked her to join him.
“It’s not something I really thought of doing. Not right away. I started thinking about it early this year,” she said.
Mia joined the company in May this year as a Management Trainee, the same way his father did when he joined the company 14 years ago to eventually take over the management of the bakeshop business.
The founder, Anita, now sits as an Advisor in the Board of Directors and still often visits the main office, which stoods at her old house’s place.
As a Management Trainee, Mia will need to immerse herself in the operations of all the 7 departments of the company.
“I joined the Sales and Marketing department first where I learned about how they are doing things to promote our brand. I could say I learned a lot especially with how to deal with people,” she said.
Mia is now on her second department which is in Production and will soon join other departments including the Supply Chain, Human Resource, Accounting, Quality Assurance, and Research and Development.
While she’s not new to running a business, as she had once operated an ice cream business at the Sugbo Mercado together with a couple of her friends, Mia said that going through the different departments would help her understand the processes and also understand the people in the company.
Having finished a degree in Psychology, Mia felt that having a deeper understanding and establishing a strong relationship with their people is where she can contribute more while also learning the other aspects of the business.
“I believe that a company is only as good as its people. That is where I would like to look into. I want our company to be a place where people grow not only professionally but also personally. There is a value in also knowing our employees aside from knowing our customers,” said Mia.
Benjamin is currently working on standardization of the company’s operations to prepare it for more expansions by offering franchises starting next year.
For her part, Mia said she hopes to contribute in strengthening their brand more to also cater to the new demands in the market.
“We are known for the Spanish breads which are traditional breads known in Cebu. I’d like to improve but retain these products and also add new products that appeal to the younger markets.”
With her onboard, Mia said she will be supporting her father in realizing their goal of expanding to other areas outside of Cebu with branches that will embody the same value as the first Anita’s Bakeshop that opened in Ramos Street, Cebu City.
“The goal is to retain that nostalgic feel in the brand and that something that feels like home,” said Mia”
Other plans also include opening more of The Premium Store, a concept shop just like what they have in Fuente Osmeña, which opened two years ago.
The shop offers premium breads like croissants and gourmet coffee products that suits those who wants to enjoy the Anita’s products in a coffee shop setting.
“We will also be expanding our retail packed goodies and will setup Pasalubong corners in every Anita’s Bakeshop,” said Mia.
Being the only child, Mia sees all these as both a challenge and an opportunity for her to hone her skills to one day lead the business the same way her father is leading it now.
“For now, I will try to learn everything I can. Take note of the best practices as well as those that we may need to work on,” she said.
FOR SIDEBAR
What’s your favorite bread – Torta
What’s the best seller – Spanish Bread
What do you want to improve – Cheese Bread
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