Key Points
- In his struggle to find employment upon migrating in Australia in 2019, Lumarda resorted to selling homemade lechon belly.
- Through the endorsement of a friend, Lumarda was offered a spot in a Chinese food court during the early part of 2023 via profit-sharing.
- Lumarda forked out $50,000 to start his own restaurant in the same food court.
Listen to the podcast
‘Maghanap ng maayos na supplier’: Negosyanteng Pinoy, may payo sa abot-kayang presyo ng produktong tinitinda
SBS Filipino
30/04/202410:06
Australian consumers have slowly trickled back to hotels, restaurants and cafes.
For newly-minted restaurateur, Daryl Lumarda considers it a hospitality career breakthrough see his Filipino restaurant thriving in a food court in Adelaide. But the trek to where he is, was arduous.
Lechon belly helped him stay afloat
Upon migrating to Australia in 2019, Lumarda dipped into his 20-year experience in the hospitality sector from the Philippines.
Given that finding employment was a struggle, he put up his lechon belly business from the backyard of his home. He sold it to fellow Aussie-Filipinos.
I had no choice but to be enterprising. Even if my wife is a nurse, I knew I had to share the load. Cooking is something I enjoy and could make money from.Daryl Lumarda, restaurateur
He treated it as a hobby which continued for about five years.
Fast forward to 2023, Lumarda received a message from a a fellow Filipino who offered him a spot in a food court where Chinese cuisine is predominantly served.
He said he couldn't resist the offer because all he had to was show up and cook.
Profit-sharing paved the way
Lumarda’s restaurant, 'Budok’s Filipino Kitchen,' opened in 2023 via profit-sharing. He would receive 70% while the owner of the spot received 30%.
It was ideal for me because the food court kept me safe from harsh weather. There’s a heater and aircon which is much better than cooking in the backyard.Daryl Lumarda, restaurateur
This gave him a chance to test the waters in opening a business.
Soon enough, he bravely invested in as a sole proprietor in the same food court in December 2023.
Invested $50,000 in the business
He forked out $50,000 in his restaurant. This includes rental, insurance, signage, among others.
Challenges include marketing because of a lot were unaware of the presence of a Filipino restaurant in a Chinese food court.
To thrive among competitors in the eatery, he unleashed his promotions such as unlimited rice and unlimited soup on certain days.
“This is my way of helping out international students.
“If you compare it with my competitors, there are no add-ons such as soup, that’s free-of-charge."
For those who are keen on starting a food business, he says, “Look for a reliable and reasonably-priced supplier. Try not to price your products too high that your customers might find it prohibitive.”
He also adds, “You have to be passionate about your business. Every time I cook, it’s as if I’m cooking for my family. There are no short cuts.”
