MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Eight years ago, Aperitif revolutionized Manila’s food scene with a unique concept: the graze box. The elegant, curated boxes of charcuterie and treats quickly gained popularity among Manila’s elite, establishing Aperitif as a go-to for luxury gifting and premium catering. Led by Karla Zulueta-Wildmore, Aperitif became synonymous with sophistication, serving high-end clientele looking to indulge in beautiful, artisanal boxes of pastries, cakes, and grazing tables. Operating exclusively online until the pandemic, the brand was a recognized symbol of luxury delivered to your doorstep.
However, Aperitif faced a turning point as post-pandemic trends shifted toward in-person experiences. The demand for immersive dining grew, pushing Karla and her husband and business partner, Oliver Wildmore, to rethink their business model. They decided to pivot Aperitif from an online luxury brand to a physical café inspired by the charm of Parisian establishments. This transition aimed to bring a slice of Paris to Manila, allowing customers to step into an authentic European-style café complete with exquisite interiors, carefully crafted pastries, and that signature Parisian “magic.”
Starting with a modest 35-square-meter booth in SM Megamall, Aperitif Café was a 13-seater concept featuring freshly made pastries, gelato, and coffee. Despite its small size, the booth became an instant hit, setting the stage for an ambitious expansion. With growing demand, the brand quickly invested in an internal commissary, transforming it into a full-fledged production facility for daily handmade pastries, cakes, and gelato.
In just two years, Aperitif expanded to six locations, including a flagship café in Mall of Asia with a seating capacity of 100, popular outlets in Alabang and SM North EDSA, and a very exciting concept in BGC. The original Megamall booth has been recently upgraded to a full-inline Parisian-style café. This rapid growth has led to a doubling of revenues year after year, with nearly 200 employees now working across Aperitif’s locations.
For Karla, the transformation of Aperitif into a beloved café brand has been a defining accomplishment. “Seeing Aperitif evolve from an online venture to a physical experience is incredibly rewarding,” she shared. “We want Filipinos to immerse themselves in the unique ambiance of each café and savor the magical, artistic environment we’ve created.”
Aperitif Café is redefining Manila’s café scene, capturing the elegance of Paris and bringing it to the heart of the Philippines. With rapid growth and ambitious plans, this is just the beginning for the rising brand.
