Manila: An official of Filipino fast-food chain Binalot is optimistic about the growth of its franchising segment this 2026, driven by its modular and portable store concept, the 'Smart Box.'

According to Philippines News Agency, under the concept, a fully equipped modular store measuring 6x3 meters - with kitchen, service area, branding, and dining facilities - can be constructed and made operational in around four to six weeks. To date, Binalot has 41 branches nationwide, nine of which are company-owned.

Rommel Juan, president and chief executive officer of Binalot, said they aim to end the year with over 60 franchises, 10 of which will use the Smart Box concept. 'We expect to grant 30 franchises this year with five to 10 of them outside of Metro Manila, specifically the Viz-Min (Visayas and Mindanao) area where we have a lot of inquiries,' he told the Philippine News Agency in an interview. 'We are targeting popular tourist destinations like Palawan and Boracay,' he added.

Juan explained that the modular store concept is ideal for bare lots, beach locations, campsites, gas stations, and transport hubs since it allows store owners to easily relocate if an area underperforms. 'This is about democratizing entrepreneurship,' he said.

Juan said optimism for this store concept is based on the fact that the domestic franchising industry remains among the country's economic drivers, with an estimated 7.8 percent contribution to domestic growth and employing millions of Filipinos. 'With the sector projected to grow by eight to 10 percent annually, franchising remains a major platform for entrepreneurship and MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) development,' he said.