MANILA, Philippines – Del Union, the Metro Manila baby of La Union’s award-winning El Union Coffee shop, is closing after over a year of operations.
The coffee and sandwich shop, which opened in early 2024 on the third floor of Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street in BGC, will officially shut its doors on March 27.
The announcement made on Del Union’s social media came as a sad surprise to loyal patrons. “It hasn’t worked out. 25 days left,” the photo read.
“This might come as a shock to those who’ve come through or have supported us from afar. Del Union was always meant to be a vessel for our many crazy and radical ideas,” the brand wrote.
The team acknowledged the huge risk of opening a shop 200 kilometers away from their flagship café in Urbiztondo, La Union, especially during a time of “industry volatility.” Despite “stepping outside of their comfort zone,” they admitted that circumstances had not worked in their favor.
“For one reason or another, it hasn’t worked out. Though our time in the space has been cut short, we close knowing we did the most we could,” they added.
The team said that the future of Del Union remains unclear, but they are encouraging their patrons to “make the most of [their] last month.”
“We’d love to serve you all once more,” they wrote, expressing gratitude for each day of service and everyone who has supported their venture.
Del Union’s Manila arrival was announced in November 2023. The concept was to bring a slice of La Union’s laid-back coffee culture to Metro Manila’s urban dwellers. A collaboration with Chef EJ Lagman of MAKAN at Eliseos, the café not only served El Union’s signature drinks — like the popular horchata and Dirty Horchata — but also introduced deli sandwiches.
El Union Coffee, founded in October 2013 by Kiddo and Amy Cosi in San Juan, La Union, has built a loyal following over the years. Known for its Classic Grilled Cheese and signature drinks, the café has been a staple for both locals and tourists in the surf town.
Del Union was the brand’s first and only Metro Manila branch. – Rappler.com