🎥 BIZCONNECT WITH PACCA: Episode 1

Featuring: Manny Sanchez of Café 86, Chandler, AZ

Welcome to the very first episode of BIZCONNECT WITH PACCA, a brand-new vlog series by the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Arizona, where we shine a spotlight on local Filipino American entrepreneurs making waves in the community.

For our debut episode, we visited Café 86 in Chandler, Arizona — a cozy and colorful dessert café bringing the bold, nostalgic flavors of the Philippines to the local food scene. At the heart of it all is Manny Sanchez, a visionary entrepreneur fueled by passion, culture, and ube.

A Taste of Home: Why Café 86 Was Born

When asked what inspired him to start Café 86, Manny shared that it all began with a craving — specifically for ube, the beloved purple yam dessert that’s a staple in Filipino cuisine.

“There just weren’t many places in Chandler offering ube desserts,” Manny explained. “We wanted to bring a piece of our food culture here — something that resonates with our roots.”

That desire led to the opening of Café 86, and the rest is sweet, creamy, and delicious history.

🍰 Best-Selling Treats You Must Try

Café 86 has quickly become a favorite stop for locals — Filipino or not — thanks to its mouthwatering, Instagram-worthy menu. Here are some of their crowd favorites:

Upside Down Halo-Halo (featuring ube and taro)
Tiger Tea (a creamy blend of milk tea and Thai tea)
Dragon Berry Calamansi (a refreshing citrusy drink)
Ube Crack Cheesecake
Leche Flan Cupcake

These are more than just desserts — they’re a celebration of flavor, tradition, and community.

🌱 Starting a Business: Challenges and Lessons

Opening Café 86 wasn’t without its hurdles. Manny reflected on the early days:

“We had to introduce the product to the community and get them to understand and love the taste, the texture, and the culture behind it.”

Educating people on what ube is — a type of sweet purple yam, similar in texture to taro but more delicately sweet — became part of the mission.

When asked for advice to aspiring food business owners, Manny didn’t hesitate:

“You have to make time and give your commitment. Understand your market and how you could reach out to them.”

💬 More Than a Café — A Community Hub

Café 86 isn’t just a place to grab dessert — it’s a cultural hub. The café regularly hosts monthly events and actively participates in PACCA gatherings, building connections and inspiring others in the community to chase their entrepreneurial dreams.

“We want to bring better value to the community,” Manny said. “It’s not just about food — it’s about passion and purpose.”

💡 Key Takeaway: Passion Meets Purpose

The heart of Café 86 lies in its purpose: sharing culture, creating community, and crafting moments of joy through food. Manny Sanchez and his team are proof that with passion, commitment, and cultural pride, Filipino American businesses can thrive and make a lasting impact.

BizConnect with PACCA | EP1: Brewing Business with Cafe 86