Mang Inasal has become a household name in the Philippines, known for its signature inasal chicken, unlimited rice, and that irresistible mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili. If you’ve ever considered diving into the food business, starting a Mang Inasal franchise might be one of the smartest moves you can make. Over the last 10 years writing about franchises for Franchise Manila, I’ve spoken to countless franchisees—some thriving, some struggling—and Mang Inasal is consistently ranked as one of the most sought-after and profitable ventures. But what’s the catch? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Why Start a Mang Inasal Franchise?
Starting a Mang Inasal franchise is like joining a winning basketball team—you’ve got a proven playbook, a loyal fan base, and a high chance of scoring big. Mang Inasal is a subsidiary of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), which means you’re not just investing in a single brand—you’re gaining the backing of a Filipino fast-food empire.
One franchisee I spoke to, Mark, opened his Mang Inasal branch in Quezon City five years ago. He told me, “What drew me in was the simplicity of the business model and the strong customer base. People know Mang Inasal—it’s almost like comfort food for Filipinos. I knew that as long as I maintained quality, customers would keep coming back.”
The biggest pull factor? Filipinos’ deep-rooted love for inasal. That smoky, savory flavor paired with unlimited rice? That’s not just a meal—it’s a ritual.
Watch this video by Franchise Republic to learn more:
How to Start a Mang Inasal Franchise
So, how do you actually start a Mang Inasal franchise? It’s not as simple as just walking into Jollibee’s office and handing over cash—but it’s not rocket science either. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Submit a Franchise Application – Head over to Mang Inasal’s official website (https://www.manginasal.com) and fill out the franchise inquiry form.
- Initial Screening – They’ll review your application and business background. They want franchisees with a solid understanding of the food service industry—or at least strong management skills.
- Interview and Business Proposal – This is where you pitch why you’re a good fit. It’s like a job interview, but with higher stakes.
- Site Inspection and Approval – Mang Inasal has strict location guidelines, so they’ll assess if your proposed spot has enough foot traffic and visibility.
- Franchise Agreement Signing – Once you pass all the tests, you sign the agreement, pay the fees, and the fun begins.
Franchise Fees and Investment – How Much Does It Cost to Start a Mang Inasal Franchise?
Let’s talk numbers—because at the end of the day, a franchise is a business, and businesses run on capital.
To start a Mang Inasal franchise, you’ll need around ₱30 million to ₱40 million. This includes the following:
✅ Franchise Fee – ₱1.2 million to ₱1.5 million (non-refundable)
✅ Construction Costs – ₱15 million to ₱20 million (depends on location and size)
✅ Equipment and Signage – ₱5 million to ₱7 million
✅ Initial Inventory and Staff Training – ₱3 million to ₱5 million
✅ Marketing Fund Contribution – 5% of gross sales (monthly)
Mark shared that his total investment was around ₱35 million, but he was able to break even in just two years. “Once we got the store running smoothly and handled the initial operational kinks, profits started coming in consistently,” he said.
Watch this video to learn more:
Pros and Cons of Starting a Mang Inasal Franchise
👍 Pros
✅ Brand Recognition – Mang Inasal is a household name. You’re not starting from scratch.
✅ Operational Support – Jollibee’s franchise team helps with site selection, staff training, and marketing.
✅ Fast ROI – Many franchisees report breaking even within 2–3 years.
✅ High Demand – Filipinos’ love for chicken and rice isn’t going away anytime soon.
👎 Cons
❌ High Initial Investment – ₱30–40 million is no joke. This isn’t a small-time food cart.
❌ Strict Quality Control – You’ll need to follow Jollibee’s operational guidelines to the letter.
❌ Competitive Location Requirements – Mang Inasal wants prime locations, which means higher rent costs.
What Makes Mang Inasal Stand Out?
It’s not just the chicken—though that helps. Mang Inasal thrives because it taps into Filipino culture. The concept of “unli-rice” (unlimited rice) isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it’s a reflection of Filipino generosity and hospitality.
I remember talking to a franchisee, Jason, who said, “When I see families sharing meals at Mang Inasal, I see my own childhood. It’s more than just food; it’s about connection.” That’s why Mang Inasal remains so popular—even in the face of new competitors.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Starting a Mang Inasal franchise isn’t without its challenges. From securing a prime location to dealing with rising operational costs, you need to be prepared for the long haul.
Joanna (the franchisee who closed her store) told me, “I underestimated how competitive the food industry is. It’s not enough to just have a strong brand—you need solid management, good customer service, and consistency.”
Mark, on the other hand, learned the importance of local marketing. “We partnered with nearby schools and offices for bulk orders and promotions. That’s what helped us establish a loyal customer base early on,” he said.
Updated Contact Details
If you’re serious about starting a Mang Inasal franchise, here’s where to get started:
📞 Franchise Hotline: +63 2 8 588 9999
📧 Email: franchise@manginasal.com
🌐 Website: https://www.manginasal.com
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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…
