SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has introduced the DASH Cart, a mobile coffee-on-wheels concept developed in collaboration with Nestlé Philippines. The official launch took place at Pico de Loro Cove, SMHCC’s flagship seaside destination in Nasugbu, Batangas. The event was held at the Pico de Loro Country Club and attended by executives from both SMHCC and Nestlé Philippines, marking the beginning of a new coffee experience for guests.
A Welcome for the First DASH Cart at Pico de Loro Cove
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Maxi Gavino, General Manager of Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel, shared the significance of the launch for the property. She stated: “We are thrilled that Pico de Loro Cove is the first to roll out DASH. More than serving coffee, it’s about creating experiences and memories that guests will carry with them when they visit destinations like ours.” This highlighted how the concept is designed to go beyond convenience, aiming to enhance guest experiences during their stay.
The DASH Cart brings a new way to enjoy coffee, not just as a quick drink but as part of a leisure experience at a resort setting. By being mobile and accessible across the property, it caters to both casual coffee drinkers and guests seeking a curated beverage and pastry pairing.
Evolution of the DASH Concept with Nestlé Philippines
Ms. Tish De Belen, SMHCC Senior Operations Manager for Food & Beverage, explained how the idea developed within the company. “DASH started as a Grab-and-Go idea for our hotels, and soon became a cart—accessible, mobile, and easygoing. With Nestlé Philippines on board, the concept has grown into a stronger collaboration. While we begin here at Pico de Loro, more SMHCC properties will soon enjoy the same convenience.”
Her remarks outlined the strategic partnership with Nestlé, which helped elevate the initiative into a branded mobile concept. The expansion plans underline SMHCC’s vision of scaling the service across its properties, ensuring consistent quality and guest experience. Nestlé Philippines’ involvement ensures that the DASH Cart serves premium coffee with the brand’s trusted blends and brews.
Nestlé Philippines on Bringing Coffee to Guests
The partnership also reflects Nestlé’s commitment to bringing its coffee experience closer to consumers. Mr. Ian Alcantara, Senior Business Development Manager of Nestlé Philippines, expressed the company’s outlook on the collaboration: “We look forward to this partnership, bringing the comfort of the Nestlé coffee experience to members and guests of Pico de Loro Cove.” This reinforces the value of the partnership, combining SMHCC’s hospitality expertise with Nestlé’s reputation in coffee.
Launch Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting
The official launch was highlighted by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by key executives. These included National Key Accounts & OCS Head, Nestlé Philippines Mr. Brandy Morales, General Manager Ms. Maxi Gavino, SMHCC Vice President for Quality and Sustainability Ms. Leah Magallanes, and SMHCC Vice President-Commercial Ms. Agnes Pacis. The program culminated in a celebratory DASH coffee toast, symbolizing the start of this new offering at Pico de Loro Cove.
The presence of top executives underscored the importance of the launch for both companies. Their involvement also signaled a commitment to ensuring the concept succeeds as it expands to other SMHCC properties.
Convenience and Quality in Every Cup
Closing the event, Ms. Agnes Pacis, SMHCC Vice President-Commercial, emphasized the value that the DASH Cart brings to guests. She stated: “Wherever you are in the property, the DASH Cart will come to you. It’s about pairing quality coffee with our own breads and pastries, delivering comfort and enjoyment—one cup at a time.” This captured the vision of the project, combining mobility, quality, and guest satisfaction in a single service.
The DASH Cart is not just a coffee cart but a service designed to adapt to guest needs. Whether by the beach or around the resort, guests can enjoy freshly brewed coffee paired with pastries made by the property’s culinary team.
Expansion of the DASH Cart Concept
Following its launch at Pico de Loro Cove, the DASH Cart is now operational at the beachfront area, serving a curated selection of coffee blends and fresh pastries. Guests can enjoy the convenience of premium coffee service in a resort setting, enhancing the overall leisure experience.
The concept has also expanded beyond Batangas. A DASH Cart currently operates at Park Inn by Radisson Davao, with plans to open additional carts at Park Inn by Radisson Clark and Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA. These expansions demonstrate SMHCC’s commitment to making the service available across its portfolio, providing consistent coffee offerings that align with its hospitality standards.
With its partnership with Nestlé Philippines, SMHCC positions the DASH Cart as more than a mobile coffee station. It is a branded service that integrates quality, convenience, and experience. As it rolls out across different properties, guests can expect the same level of service, ensuring that every visit includes the comfort of a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
