If you’ve ever strolled through a mall in the Philippines and spotted a brightly colored kiosk serving deliciously fresh fruit shakes, chances are you’ve encountered The Big Chill. Known for its all-natural fruit and vegetable smoothies, Big Chill has become a favorite among health-conscious Filipinos and those looking for a refreshing treat in the country’s tropical heat.
Starting a Big Chill franchise could be a smart move if you want to tap into the growing health and wellness market in the Philippines. With a relatively affordable franchise fee, a simple product lineup, and strong brand recognition, Big Chill presents a promising opportunity for both first-time and experienced entrepreneurs. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the costs, application process, and the pros and cons of owning a Big Chill franchise in the Philippines.
Why Big Chill Is a Smart Franchise Choice
The health and wellness market in the Philippines is on the rise. Filipinos are becoming more conscious of what they eat and drink, with increasing demand for natural, nutritious, and guilt-free snacks. Big Chill has successfully positioned itself in this niche by offering smoothies made from 100% fresh fruits and vegetables — no artificial flavoring or preservatives.
What sets Big Chill apart is its focus on high-quality ingredients and its strategic presence in high-traffic locations like malls, office buildings, and hospitals. The brand’s vibrant colors, sleek kiosks, and refreshing product lineup make it hard to miss. Plus, with the tropical climate of the Philippines, smoothies are a product that people naturally crave year-round.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Big Chill Franchise in the Philippines?
Let’s get down to business — starting a Big Chill franchise involves a moderate level of investment compared to other food franchises. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:
- Franchise Fee – ₱300,000 to ₱500,000
- Initial Investment – ₱2 million to ₱4 million (depending on location size and type)
- Royalty Fee – 5% of gross sales
- Advertising Fee – 1% of gross sales
The franchise fee covers the right to use the Big Chill brand, initial training, and setup support. The initial investment includes the cost of construction, equipment, initial inventory, and store design.
Kiosk models typically require a smaller investment (around ₱2 million), while full store models in high-traffic areas can cost up to ₱4 million. The choice of location will play a major role in how quickly you can recoup your investment. Mall locations, especially in places like SM Megamall or Ayala Center, come with higher rent but offer consistent foot traffic.
The Franchise Application Process
Starting a Big Chill franchise in the Philippines involves a structured and relatively straightforward process. Here’s how it works:
- Submit Your Application – Fill out a franchise application through the official Big Chill website. You’ll need to provide personal and financial information, including your business background and preferred location.
- Initial Screening – The Big Chill team will review your application to assess your financial capability and business experience.
- Franchise Orientation – If your application passes the initial screening, you’ll be invited to a franchise orientation where you’ll learn more about the business model, expectations, and investment requirements.
- Site Selection and Approval – Big Chill will help you evaluate and approve your proposed site. They prioritize high-traffic areas like malls, transit hubs, and commercial centers.
- Contract Signing – Once the site is approved, you’ll sign the franchise agreement and pay the franchise fee.
- Training and Setup – Big Chill will provide a full training program covering product preparation, store management, and customer service.
- Store Construction – The company will guide you through store construction and design to ensure it meets brand standards.
- Grand Opening – After a final inspection, you’ll be ready to open! The Big Chill team will assist with the launch and initial marketing push.
The process typically takes 3 to 6 months from application to opening, depending on how quickly you secure a location and complete the construction phase.
✅ Pros and Cons of Owning a Big Chill Franchise
✅ Pros
✔️ Low Franchise Fee – Compared to other food franchises, Big Chill’s franchise fee is relatively affordable. The total investment is manageable for small to medium-scale entrepreneurs.
✔️ Established Brand – Big Chill is already a recognized name in the health and wellness market in the Philippines, reducing the need for heavy marketing.
✔️ Simple Operations – Unlike fast food or restaurant franchises, Big Chill’s product lineup is straightforward — fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and ice. This makes operations easier to manage.
✔️ Health-Conscious Market Growth – As more Filipinos prioritize health and wellness, demand for natural, fresh products is expected to increase.
❌ Cons
❌ High Lease Costs in Malls – While mall locations provide high foot traffic, rent can be steep, especially in prime locations. Mall leases in Metro Manila can reach up to ₱150,000 to ₱300,000 per month.
❌ Product Shelf Life – Since Big Chill uses fresh ingredients, wastage can be an issue if demand is inconsistent. Careful inventory management is required.
❌ Competition – The health and beverage market in the Philippines is growing fast, with new smoothie and juice brands entering the market regularly. Maintaining product quality and customer loyalty is key.
What Successful Big Chill Franchise Owners Say
I’ve spoken to several Big Chill franchise owners over the years, and they all emphasize the importance of location and consistency.
👉 A franchisee in SM Mall of Asia mentioned that foot traffic makes all the difference. “Weekends are the busiest, and mall events can push our daily sales up by 30%.”
👉 Another franchisee in Cebu highlighted the importance of staff training. “Our products rely on fresh ingredients and precise mixing. If staff aren’t trained properly, the quality drops — and so do repeat customers.”
👉 A franchisee in Makati shared that promotions help boost sales during slow periods. “We introduced a ‘buy one, get one at 50% off’ deal during the lean months — it worked wonders.”
Is a Big Chill Franchise Worth It in the Philippines?
If you’re looking for a health-focused food franchise with manageable startup costs and high potential for customer demand, a Big Chill franchise is a solid choice. The brand’s established market presence and focus on natural ingredients give it a competitive edge in the growing wellness industry.
However, success depends heavily on location and operational consistency. High lease costs in major malls can eat into profits, so negotiating a favorable lease is crucial. Maintaining product quality and freshness is also a key factor in building customer loyalty.
Tips for Success
👉 Secure a Prime Location – High foot traffic is essential for a Big Chill franchise to thrive. Focus on malls, business districts, and busy transit hubs.
👉 Manage Inventory Closely – Fresh ingredients have a short shelf life. Proper inventory management will help reduce waste and keep costs low.
👉 Promotions Work – Filipinos love a good deal. Offering combo discounts or happy hour deals can drive sales during slow periods.
👉 Customer Service Matters – Consistency in product quality and service will keep customers coming back. Happy customers = repeat business.
Final Thoughts
Starting a Big Chill franchise in the Philippines is like blending the perfect smoothie — you need the right mix of location, product quality, and marketing strategy. If you get the balance right, you’ll have a refreshing and profitable business that thrives in the health-conscious market. The brand’s proven model, combined with the rising demand for natural and healthy snacks, makes it a sweet (and healthy) business opportunity. 🍓🥤
Contact Details
Contact Big Chill right now and be a part of their winning team!
Website: www.bigchill.com.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mybigchill
Twitter: twitter.com/My_bigchill
Phone No.: (02)343-8990
Mobile No.: 0922-850-2737
Address: 11/F Salcedo Tower 169 H. V. De La Costa Street Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines
Jack is a self-made entrepreneur, who actually started out in the Military, then worked for the Government for a few years, until he finally made that bold step and started out his own online and offline businesses. He’s never looked back ever since, and hasn’t been happier…
