There have been several food and beverage establishments that have closed in the last year. Restaurant proprietors have had to contend with ever-changing dietary restrictions as well as a significant shift in consumer behavior toward takeout and delivery. These issues have made it difficult for many restaurants to survive with less money pouring in because they already have slim profit margins. All of these, among many others, are the result of COVID-19 pandemic hitting us without repercussions.
However, amidst the crisis, there are those who started a business during the trying times and strived, because it may be challenging but it is not impossible, especially if you are an entrepreneur who are willing to take risks and have enough determination and grit.
Chef Donburi, a Japanese Food House, a local business that offers authentic Japanese food continues to strive with the seeds sown in great perseverance flourishes.
Arante, Owner of Chef Donburi
Interviewer: What are the most important qualities an entrepreneur needs during the pandemic?
Answer: For me, an entrepreneur should be a risk-taker and persevere especially during uncertain times. Since I do believe that opportunities can still rise even during tough times and even when success seems a bit distant at the beginning. You just need to continuously show up and improve your product and/or services to make your business grow.
Interviewer: What are your main inspirations for starting the business?
Answer: Starting a food business has always been my dream since working in the food service industry. I want to share my passion for cooking as well as gain financial security by working by my own means and terms.
Interviewer: What was your reason for starting the business during the pandemic?
Answer: I want to spend my time on lockdown productively and have another source of income for my family.
Interviewer: What do you offer as a new entrepreneur? What are you selling?
Answer: We offer restaurant-quality Japanese meals at affordable prices.
Interviewer: How did you start the business in terms of funding?
Answer: My family has always been supportive. Aside from my own savings, they also supported me financially which helped me open our very first branch in Pasay.
Interviewer: How did technology help your business?
Answer: As for Chef Donburi, the ads feature of the Facebook page has been a great help in promoting our small business. It allows us to connect with our customers as well as spread our business outside our area. Online delivery services such as Lalamove also has been a huge help in delivering our products.
Interviewer: What are the problems you have encountered while maintaining a business during the pandemic?
Answer: In the beginning, Chef Donburi is just a sidelined business of mine as I am still working on my main job. It was really hard managing both at the same time without sacrificing one. Eventually, I quit my job as a chef and start focusing more on Chef Donburi. In addition, venturing out into the food business industry was also challenging, because we only have limited knowledge and resources in running a business.
Interviewer: Where do you see the future of your career during the pandemic and in these times?
Answer: I will continue to strive to make Chef Donburi grow into one of the best Japanese food businesses locally.
Interviewer: And finally, what advice do you have for others who want to start a business, especially when difficult times are unprecedented?
Answer: Give yourself a chance to try because we'll never really know if things will work out if we never try. And don't be afraid of setbacks and uncertainties since they are all part of the journey. You'll learn from it and it will help you grow not just your business but also yourself as an individual.
Thank you.
コメント