Mary Grace makes its first international move, bringing Filipino warmth to Singapore

Mary Grace Café, a popular Filipino bakery and café chain, is marking its thirtieth year with a milestone that redefines its growth narrative: its first international expansion, set for Singapore in the first half of 2026.

Known for its trademark warmth, nostalgic ambiance, and signature Ensaymadas and Cheese Rolls, Mary Grace has built a powerful emotional connection with Filipino consumers. Founded around a humble kitchen table in the 1990s, the café has since grown to more than 140 cafés and kiosks across the Philippines, including 75 full-service locations.

Its next chapter reflects not just geographic growth but a deliberate extension of identity - introducing “The Goodness of Home” to a global audience while retaining its deeply familiar values.

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Founder, president, and CEO Mary Grace Dimacali framed the expansion as both a personal milestone and a strategic evolution. “It is with a humble heart that we confirm Mary Grace will be opening its first international store in Singapore. This is indeed an important milestone in our 30-year journey, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to share a piece of home with more people,” she said.

The Singapore café aims to serve as a “home away from home” for Filipinos abroad while introducing the brand’s soft, homely retail style to new consumers. The brand’s expansion strategy leans heavily into authenticity - preserving the emotional cues, visual warmth, and signature flavours that anchor its identity.

Dimacali highlighted how unexpected this chapter once felt. “When I first started baking in my kitchen all those years ago, I never imagined that Mary Grace would travel beyond the Philippines. Bringing Mary Grace to Singapore feels like a chance to share something deeply personal and heartfelt with new friends,” she said. “My hope is that people there will find a familiar warmth, comfort, and a sense of connection in every bite.”

Ahead of the official opening, a series of online pop-ups will run in November and December 2025 via marygracecafe.sg, allowing Singapore-based consumers to sample its well-loved baked goods during the festive gifting season. It is a soft-landing strategy that allows the brand to seed awareness, test demand, and build anticipation among both Filipino expatriates and local residents.

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