Key Points
- After taking over an existing business license, about $90,000 were poured in to get the restaurant up and running in Melbourne.
- Having a rough start as a student in Australia due to high cost of living, Villanueva and his wife sold Filipino food and pastries to support their daily needs.
- The seven-year experience of Villanueva as a chief supervisor in a global coffee brand in the Philippines proved to be an effective training ground for his restaurant.
Listen to the podcast
Pinoy International student, nakapagtayo ng Korean restaurant sa Australia
SBS Filipino
10:50
Cafés and restaurants are fundamental to the Australian economy. It’s something international student-turned-restaurateur Martin Villanueva, is proud to break into.
Rough start as an International Student in Australia
However, his start in 2019 was gruelling. He finished his culinary course in the middle of the pandemic.
Grappling with funds and limited options to support their daily needs, Villanueva and his wife had to be resourceful. They put his skills to use by cooking Filipino food and baking pastries and selling them online.
Villanueva recalls, “It was humbling but we had to do it. We sold ‘kakanin’ and other Filipino delicacies to friends and ‘kababayans’.”
Back in the Philippines, Villanueva had 12 years worth of experience in a global coffee brand. Five years of that went to being a chief supervisor.
When it came to Australian local experience, he previously worked for cafés.
Filipino customer service is 'unparalleled'
Given Villanueva’s status as a student visa holder, options to borrow funds were off the table. Luckily, a friend offered to invest in his business concept.
They came across a restaurant with an existing business license, but wanted to opt of out of it.
The initial investment amounted to at least $50,000. It covered permits, licenses, and manpower cost. An additional $40,000 was invested for signages and tarpaulins, among others.
According to Villanueva, their restaurant “OHH MY SAMPGYUP,” has a Korean-themed concept mixed with Filipino customer-centric hospitality.
Nothing can beat the warmth, empathetic and respectful treatment that we give our customers. There will always be other restaurants around, but our patrons will always look for that special treatment we give them.Martin Villanueva, chef and restaurateur
To date, Villanueva has a pipeline of upgrades and expansion. These include setting up in other areas within and beyond Victoria.
For those who aspire to open their own cafés or restaurants, here are some lessons Villanueva wants to impart:
· Allot a considerable amount of time to gather all the documents needed – these include permits and licenses. Collecting these cannot be rushed.
· Prepare to spend for signages and tarpaulins – anything that involves marketing and branding involves serious money.
· Social media is your ally – maximise getting your brand or business promoted online. Use different platforms to connect with various audiences.
· Be frugal - be mindful of unnecessary expenses.
· Be open to angel investors – a good angel investor is someone you fully trust you and you know will not meddle in the affairs of the business.
