SOMETIMES opportunities can be found only after changing career directions.
That was how couple Niel and Annaliza Yu started Senyor Liempo, their first food business.
“When I left the corporate world, for quite a time Annaliza and I thought of putting up a food business, particularly roasted liempo because of its promising market,” Niel said.
He said he noticed that aside from the increasing number of outlets selling pizza, siomai, lechon and chicken barbeque, the liempo business is also slowly gaining popularity among Cebuanos.
He said roasted liempo is among the most sought-after dishes in the city.
Last Feb. 10, the Yu couple held the soft opening of their first liempo outlet beside Convenience 24 (C24) on Juan Luna Avenue, formerly San Jose dela Montaña.
“We ventured into the food business because it is easy to sell and it is something that is going to stay,” Annaliza said.
The couple said they invested about P100,000 to start the business.
“The first week of operation was quite good and now, in our second week, we noticed that previous customers have come back,” Niel said.
The store sells roasted liempo and chicken at P165 each.
“What sets our roasted liempo apart is that it has a twist because of the herbs and spices that we have put in,” Niel said.
Annaliza said Niel mixes the seasoning used in their roasted liempo and chicken.
Target
She said their business targets students, young professionals and working mothers who have no time to cook for the family.
The couple said they are planning to open more outlets in two or three months. They said they are also planning to start delivering to customers.
“But for the meantime, we will strengthen and enhance the system of the business first. For now we can take orders from the customers ahead of time and have these picked up once cooked,” Niel said.
The couple plans to open outlets near call centers and in areas where there is heavy traffic.
Niel, however, said he plans to go back to the corporate world soon and would be leaving the business at the hands of Annaliza.