PICKUP COFFEE: Challenging Expensive Coffee Outlets in the Philippines

Pickup Coffee is popping up everywhere, especially in Cavite. Whether you’re in Gen Trias, Dasmariñas, or other areas of the province, you’ll notice this brand’s growing presence. This made me curious: what’s causing the buzz around this coffee shop?

Upon researching, I discovered that Pickup Coffee was founded in 2022 by the owners Jamie Fernandez and Diego Lorenzo, with the mission to offer premium coffee at affordable prices. The founders evidently wanted to rival the pricier coffee brands in the Philippines. After all, if Filipinos can get exceptional coffee without the hefty price tag, who wouldn’t want that?

The company started with an initial seed funding of $1M. According to recent reports, they’ve received $40M in their latest funding round. With such significant financial backing, one might assume that Pickup Coffee is well on its way to achieving its mission: high-quality, yet affordable, coffee.

In terms of price, Pickup Coffee is unmatched. Their offerings are priced under 100 pesos per order, a stark contrast to the typical 200-peso charge at Starbucks and similar chains. But is the quality up to par? That’s what I aimed to find out firsthand.

Pickup Coffee Review

One morning, while running errands in Dasmariñas Cavite, I spotted a Pickup Coffee store outside a mall. Needing my caffeine fix, I decided to give it a shot. My choice was the Kape Mestizo, an espresso blend with milk and brown molasses syrup. To be honest, I’m no coffee connoisseur but I like coffee and I enjoy trying out different cafes. The drink was mediocre and, disappointingly, not hot. Serving lukewarm coffee labeled as “hot” early in the morning? That’s a misstep in my book.

Still, I opted to give Pickup Coffee another shot. While in Trece Martires with my niece and nephew, I ordered an Iced Ube Latte (upsized) for ₱85. Being an Ube fan, I found it enjoyable, although a bit too sweet. It was a noticeable improvement over my initial experience.

However, on a subsequent visit to Dasmariñas, my craving for a truly hot coffee led me to try their cappuccino, priced at ₱85. Unfortunately, it was lukewarm, much like my previous experience. It seems Pickup Coffee needs to address this recurrent issue, or they risk alienating customers.

Final Thoughts

It’s commendable to see startups like Pickup Coffee challenging the established, expensive coffee brands in the country. The public has grown accustomed to paying premium prices for their brew, and alternatives like Pickup Coffee offer a refreshing change.

However, while they’ve achieved the affordability part, delivering on the promise of premium quality remains a challenge. Considering the significant investments they’ve received, it’s certainly achievable. Proper management and attention to service details are vital.

During my research, I stumbled upon employee grievances regarding Pickup Coffee’s labor disputes. It’s essential for the company to address these issues promptly. After all, unhappy employees can lead to unsatisfactory customer experiences. In this case, it might even result in a consistently lukewarm brew.

Pickup Coffee is still in its infancy and has room for growth. Perhaps a good starting point would be ensuring that “hot” coffee is indeed served hot.

Pickup Coffee Menu 

Pickup Coffee offers a unique blend of classic coffee choices and flavors inspired by the Philippine culture and palate.

Classics (Iced or Hot)

The classics menu boasts favorites and best sellers such as Americano, Latte, Dark Mocha, and Caramel. Those curious about traditional Filipino coffee can sample Kape Kastila or Kape Mestizo. Additionally, the menu includes options like Dirty Chai, Cappuccino, and Flat White.

Signatures

The signature section features standout beverages like the Nutelatte, a delightful hazelnut-chocolate concoction, and the Ube Latte, which captures the essence of the Philippine’s beloved purple yam.

Teas

For a refreshing change, there are fruity iced teas in flavors such as Apple, Lychee, and Peachy — perfect accompaniments for the tropical atmosphere.

Cold Brews

For those who prefer their coffee cold and invigorating, options include the standard Cold Brew, a creamier Cold Brew with Milk, and the special Kape Kinh.

Milk-Based Offerings

The milk-based beverages are a treat for those who enjoy creamy textures. Highlights include the vibrant Matcha Latte, the Filipino-inspired Buko Pandan Latte, and the comforting Classic Chocolate.

Upgrades

Customers looking to customize their drinks can choose from various upgrades. Non-dairy milk options such as Soy, Almond, and Oat Milk are available. For those wanting an extra caffeine kick, there’s the Espresso Shot upgrade. Other flavorful additions include Half and Half, White Mocha, and Caramel. It’s recommended to consult with the barista for pairing suggestions.

Pickup Coffee Branches 

Pickup Coffee has branches in Quezon City, Manila, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Caloocan, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, San Juan, Bulacan, Las Pinas, Laguna, Muntinlupa, Cavite, Cebu, Pampanga, Bacolod, Subic and Iloilo. For the complete list of stores, check out their official website here.

More Coffee Shops

• Kura Cafe: A Breath of Fresh Air in Gen. Trias
• A Local’s Guide: Why Jacked Up Cafe is a Must-Visit in Gen. Trias
• Sipping Solace: My Experience at RCAFE in Gen. Trias

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