Michael Canlas is truly unstoppable in creating pioneering business concepts. Three years after launching Bang Bang Bangus, Mike and the rest of Kitchen 77 Foods introduced BUNNY BANANA—the first banana specialty kiosk offering banana ice cream, sundaes, and smoothies.
“’Why not banana?’ That was the simple big idea. Bananas are abundant in the Philippines—in fact, we’re one of the top producers and exporters in the world—yet there was no known brand for banana desserts. That’s when I saw the opportunity,” shares Mike.
Bunny Banana opened its first branch in Waltermart North EDSA on May 18, 2023. And since then, it has opened nine more stores in different malls in Luzon, with more branches lined up to open in the coming weeks. It has become one of the fastest-growing food franchises in the country.
Bunny Banana offers Banana Sundae Cone for only Php29.00; Turon Sundae and Banana Nutella Sundae for Php89.00, Banana Smoothies (Banana Milk, Choco Banana, Banana Graham, Black Sesame, and Matcha flavors) for Php99.00, and Banana Coffee Float for Php69.00.
“I thought of the business concept in May 2022. Since then, I started developing the recipes and my wife worked on the branding. We decided to call it “Bunny Banana” because of three reasons: We wanted to have a character associated with the brand; apparently, bunnies also love bananas; and most importantly, ‘bunny banana’ is easy and fun to say,” shares Mike.
Before its official launch last May, Mike and his team tested the market by bringing Bunny Banana to different events. They also conducted different market research activities to check if they have a good product and if it would work.
“When my wife, Lucci, and I went to Tokyo in February of this year, we saw that there were lots of banana dessert kiosks. In fact, they have made bananas so cool, fun, and pop. Seeing these further encouraged us that the business idea could really work,” shares Mike. “When we went back to the Philippines, Lucci drew a new bunny character, designed a new packaging, and changed the look of the brand. I also adjusted the recipes based on the results of our market research and added a few new flavors. Three months after that trip, Bunny Banana was officially born.
Bunny Banana is open for franchise and as of writing, Bunny Banana has opened branches in SM Grand Central, SM Valenzuela, SM Sangandaan, SM Fairview, SM San Lazaro, SM San Jose Del Monte, SM San Pedro, Waltermart North EDSA, Waltermart Nueva Ecija, and Festival Mall Alabang. Branches in different Robinsons Malls, Ayala Malls, Fishermall, Greenhills, and other locations are also lined up to open in the coming weeks.
Bunny Banana will also be present in the upcoming International Franchise Expo, which will be held on October 27-29 at the SMX Mall of Asia.
“Bunny Banana serves good food and it looks cool. But you know, the biggest joy for me in creating Bunny Banana is seeing how much our customers from all walks of life get to enjoy our products. And that’s the goal of this business—to spread happiness by serving banana ice cream and drinks, one cup or cone at a time,” concludes Mike.
For more information on Bunny Banana, contact 0917-1150103 or you can also visit bunnybanana.ph, or check out their Facebook page: Bunny Banana and Instagram: @bunnybananaph.
