Mang Juan Business Guide

Practical advice for starting and running a food business.

Written for people making real business decisions. No get-rich shortcuts. No guaranteed-income claims.

Just practical information on costs, locations, operations and franchising in the Philippine market.

Photography to be suppliedOwner tallying receipts and a budget notebook at her cart counter
Featured · Franchise costs & finance

How much does it really cost to start a food cart in the Philippines?

The package is the visible number. Here is how to estimate the rest — site, permits, staff and the months before the outlet carries itself.

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Photography to be suppliedOwner walking a mall corridor with a notebook
Choosing a Location

How do you choose a good food cart location?

Compare customers, buying occasions, rent and site requirements before committing to a location.

Photography to be suppliedTwo prospective owners comparing notes at a café
Understanding Franchising

Franchise or build your own food concept?

Compare the structure of a franchise with the responsibilities of building a food concept yourself.

Photography to be suppliedFranchise agreement on a table, pen and calculator
Understanding Franchising

What should you ask a franchisor before signing?

Get clear written answers about costs, obligations, support and exit conditions before you commit.

Photography to be suppliedOwner training a new crew member at the counter
Managing Staff

Hiring your first crew: what to look for

Reliability, cash handling and how to train for consistency.

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Photography to be suppliedOwner at a municipal office counter with documents
Starting a Food Business

Business registration for a food cart: the basic steps

An overview of registration and local permits, and how long to allow.

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Photography to be suppliedOwner looking at a second site in a supermarket
Growing to Another Location

When is it time to open a second outlet?

Signals that your first outlet is ready — and the ones that say wait.

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