An innovative food cart business

MANILA, Philippines - The food business is a very competitive market. From fine dining to food carts, one has to be innovative to keep customers happy and satisfied. In the case of Rowena Kim, Kerrimo was not only innovative but a new way of introducing food and drinks in one cup.

Kim, who was based in Korea for many years came back to the country with her husband and decided to invest her earnings from her work abroad by establishing Kerrimo.

“I worked abroad and knew that the money I saved for 12 years would just go down the drain if I don’t invest it in some kind of business. I applied in several food cart franchise companies three years before I came home, but I was snobbed or those companies just simply didn’t want my money. So, I decided to set up my own food cart company and vowed that I will be the nicest franchiser ever and helped those in need of a good business without drilling a hole in their pockets,” Rowena says.

Why a food cart business? “I wanted food cart because I am a food cart aficionado myself, I love eating street food and dressing them up and making them clean. It works for me. I came back also to spend more time with my parents who are getting old and so that my son can get a better less-strenuous education system here,” she adds.

According to Rowena, the name Kerrimo is a play on the words ‘carry mo’ meaning you can carry it. The cup used for Kerrimo is patented because aside from the drink, the customer can also put finger foods on top of the cup.

So how different is Kerrimo from the other food carts? “Kerrimo is like getting five franchises in one simply because I allow my franchisee to add any snack they like to put on top of my patented dish. Kerrimo is eating and drinking in one cup, using only one hand, so it is handy and convenient,” Rowena says.

To make sure that the quality of her food is the best, Rowena says she orders her supplies from well-known brands. “I get them from the same companies top fast food restaurants and hotels get them. I am not a good cook so I leave it to the experts.”

Since the launch of Kerrimo, Rowena has gotten a number of franchisers from Luzon to Mindanao. “It’s been overwhelming. I am a one-woman-team. I wanted to do it by myself. Expansion has been great. I promise myself I’ll pick two people like me to help me in the future. Right now, my area franchisers are in Subic and North Luzon, Pampanga, Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela and Quezon City, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite and Tagaytay, Eastern Visayas, Cebu and Davao.

She was also confident of Kerrimo’s concept because it was innovative. “Hearing words like Ang galing naman” “Ah, okay yan ah..isang dalahan lang” is a confirmation I made the right choice. My only concern was finding the right personnel to help me,” she said.

And for those who would like to go into business, Rowena says: “Don’t think big, think small. Don’t look too far, a good location is just under your nose sometimes. And you have to love serving people. Don’t love money so much, if you earn as much, it’s your bonus from above. Then share your blessings after.”