In December we let you know that Red Ribbon Bakeshop, a Filipino bakery chain, is coming to Wheaton. The bakery will be located at 2501 University Blvd W right next to the Anchor Inn sign that still stands. Currently, Red Ribbon Bakeshop has over 200 locations across the Philippines and 39 in the United States. In 2005 it was acquired by Jollibee Foods Corporation, which opened its first D.C. area Jollibee location at Wheaton Mall in 2021. ‘Coming Soon’ signage came and went, but the bakery now appears to be very close to opening based on interior construction looking to be nearly complete (photo below). We still don’t have an opening date, but fans may be enjoying sweet treats by the end of the summer. Google lists a September opening.
More about Red Ribbon: In 1979, Amalia Hizon Mercado, husband Renato Mercado together with their five children, Consuelo Tiutan, Teresita Moran, Renato Mercado, Ricky Mercado and Romy Mercado established Red Ribbon as a small cake shop along Timog Avenue in Quezon City. The cakes developed by daughter Teresita Moran are what gave Red Ribbon its prominence in the dessert market of the Philippines. In 1984, it opened its first overseas outlet in West Covina, California. The company began franchising in 1999. Today, there are more than 200 branches all over the Philippines and 39 in the United States as it continues to expand.
Per the Red Ribbon Website: Proudly Filipino-owned, Red Ribbon started as a hobby-induced business in 1979. Our cakes would be lovingly shared frequently in get-togethers. Eventually, it turned to orders from family members who in turn shared their delight with a wider circle of relatives and friends. Once the cake boxes were adorned with a red ribbon, its now iconic symbol, the hobby turned into a flourishing business. The rest is sweet history.
