How Angel’s Burger Started: The Story of Joseph and Vicky Mojica

Angel’s Burger started as a small venture by Joseph and Vicky Mojica in 1997, growing from humble beginnings and early challenges into a nationwide success with over 1,300 outlets, thanks to their innovative “Buy 1, Take 1” deal.

JR Quilantang
August 24, 2024

Angel’s Burger is a household name in the Philippines, renowned for its “Buy 1, Take 1” burger deals. But behind this successful business lies an inspiring story of perseverance, luck, and a deep commitment to delivering affordable food to the masses.

Background

Joseph and Vicky Mojica, the founders of Angel’s Burger, were once ordinary bank employees. In the late 1990s, they decided to leave their stable jobs and venture into the food business. Initially, they franchised a burger brand, but it didn’t bring the success they had hoped for. With limited capital and a new baby, they were determined to create something of their own. They decided to establish their own burger brand, named after their newborn daughter, Angel.

The Problem

The couple faced a significant challenge: how to offer high-quality burgers at a price that was affordable for the average Filipino. At that time, fast food options were often expensive, and the Mojicas wanted to fill that gap in the market by providing an option that everyone could enjoy without breaking the bank.

The Solution

Their solution was simple but effective: a permanent “Buy 1, Take 1” offer. This strategy allowed them to attract a large customer base quickly, despite initially earning minimal profit. The first Angel’s Burger store opened in 1997 in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, but it wasn’t an immediate success. The Mojicas struggled to keep the business afloat, which led them to become Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the United States to earn more capital.

A stroke of luck came when Vicky won a $10,000 jackpot in Las Vegas. They used this windfall to reinvest in the business, improving their recipe, rebranding the store, and refining their operational processes. The couple also focused on enhancing employee compensation and the overall quality of their product. These changes slowly but surely started to pay off.

Growth and Success

From these humble beginnings, Angel’s Burger has grown into a massive enterprise with over 1,300 outlets across the Philippines. The business, still run by the Mojica family, now employs thousands of people and produces tons of burgers daily. Their story is a testament to how a simple yet powerful business model, combined with persistence and a bit of luck, can lead to incredible success.

Lessons Learned

  • What Was the Problem? The challenge was to offer high-quality, affordable fast food in a market where such options were scarce.
  • What Was the Solution? The “Buy 1, Take 1” strategy provided value to customers while allowing the business to grow sustainably over time.

Angel’s Burger exemplifies how understanding and addressing a market need can lead to building a beloved brand. The Mojicas’ journey from bank employees to successful entrepreneurs highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and sometimes, a little bit of luck.


Sources:

  • Sugbo.ph, “Success Story behind Angel’s Burger: From Common Employees to Owners”
  • ProudlyFilipino.com, “Burger ng Bayan: The Success Story of Angel’s Burger”
  • Gulf News, “Angel’s Burger: How Former Expat Filipino Couple Hit 5 Billion Burgers, 1,300 Stores”
  • FlyingKetchup.ph, “Angel’s Burger, and Their Road to Becoming ‘Burger ng Bayan'”
  • The Manila Times, “Angel’s Burger: A Winning Recipe for Burgers and Business”
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