5 tips on running a restaurant from Mama Lou's owners

ABS-CBN News

<blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BKw_xcYg8vW/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:37.5% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BKw_xcYg8vW/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2016-09-25T04:30:59+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Sep 24, 2016 at 9:30pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>MANILA – From a humble family restaurant, Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen has become one of Metro Manila’s well-loved dining spots.</p><p>More than ten years since it first opened at BF Homes in Parañaque, Mama Lou’s now has a total of six restaurants, including two in Quezon City. </p><p>Its latest branch at Ayala Malls Vertis North opened last year and has become a favorite hangout among families, and even <a href='http://entertainment.abs-cbn.com/tv/shows/lalunasangre/photos/albums/70120517-look-fun-time-with-team-la-luna-sangre'>ABS-CBN celebrities</a>.</p><p>Crystal Tremblay-Sison, her husband David Sison, and father Richard Tremblay have been hands-on with restaurant operations, making an effort to brave the Metro Manila traffic to make sure that each branch is performing consistently in terms of food and service. </p><p>They strive to continue what Crystal’s mother, the late Malou “Mama Lou” Tremblay, started, by offering a combination of Italian classics and fun twists. Make sure to order the delicious egg-topped Breakfast Pizza, one of the newest items on the menu.</p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BXPD9jgDIXk/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BXPD9jgDIXk/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2017-08-01T03:01:32+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Jul 31, 2017 at 8:01pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>ABS-CBN News recently sat down with Crystal and David as they talked about Mama Lou’s beginnings as well the challenges of expanding a family restaurant and giving customers a memorable dining experience.</p><p><strong>Here are five tips that aspiring restaurant owners can learn from them:</strong></p><p><strong>1. COOK WITH LOVE</strong></p><p>“Binabalik-balikan ditto for the past seven years is my mom’s specialty, her Spaghetti Seafood Olio. It’s a very simple dish – it’s mixed seafood cooked in olive oil and garlic. It’s actually very simple, and a lot of people have tried recreating it in their homes. But of course, hindi nila makuha-kuha. We have our own secret ingredient – love,” Crystal said. </p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BTG3VJUjJA0/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BTG3VJUjJA0/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2017-04-20T12:31:40+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Apr 20, 2017 at 5:31am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>“In everything that we do, we have love in it. Lots of love.”</p><p><strong>2. TAKE CALCULATED RISKS</strong></p><p>“Nagbukas kami sa UP Town. Noong nabigyan kami ng offer, kinuha na namin. Nagbukas kami noong 2013. Nagulat ako kasi sobrang dami naming customers sa Quezon City. Hindi kami familiar sa area eh, so ‘yun, sinugal namin. Pero at the same time, we made sure [to plan],” David said. </p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/xdSLsaxLHh/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/xdSLsaxLHh/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2015-01-05T03:42:11+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Jan 4, 2015 at 7:42pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>“Today, UP Town is our strongest branch. It’s the smallest, pero pinakamalakas in terms of revenue per square.”</p><p><strong>3. ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST</strong></p><p>“Hindi kami nagso-soft opening. I think it’s an excuse for you to make mistakes. When we were opening restaurants, when we were growing, we made sure na may credit card na, full force na ang staff, and full menu na,” David said. </p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BdBpE1IHPB2/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BdBpE1IHPB2/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2017-12-23T01:04:50+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Dec 22, 2017 at 5:04pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>“Mahirap pa rin, it’s a lot of work. But we still do it.”</p><p><strong>4. MAKE YOUR CUSTOMERS FEEL IMPORTANT</strong></p><p>“The food should be really good, but it’s only secondary. Dalawa kasi ‘yan, eh. You should also create systems, making sure that the guests would have a memorable experience,” David said.</p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ2YblRjBxI/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.5% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ2YblRjBxI/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2017-10-05T02:33:34+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Oct 4, 2017 at 7:33pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>“Doon kami nakagawa ng standards, ng mga training, because we were very hands-on in the restaurant while creating the systems.”</p><p><strong>5. DON’T BE SWEPT AWAY BY TRENDS</strong></p><p>“Why do concepts like TGI Friday’s work? They’ve been here in the Philippines since he 90s. Shakey’s has been here since the 70s. But these brands have survived without rebranding because their brand is very solid. That’s what we’re aiming for,” David said. </p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BY4dsfejInd/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:35.648148148148145% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BY4dsfejInd/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2017-09-11T01:26:39+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Sep 10, 2017 at 6:26pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>“Mama Lou’s is a place where you can celebrate with family. We didn’t want to be ‘yung, wow, ito ‘yung trending ngayon. Gusto namin ‘yung slowly kaming lalabas. People won’t notice immediately, it’s okay. We don’t need to advertise. Word of mouth is the best, that’s how we did it in the beginning. Mama Lou’s is here to stay, and that’s how we envision it.”</p>

<p>Its latest branch at Ayala Malls Vertis North opened last year and has become a favorite hangout among families, and even <a href='http://entertainment.abs-cbn.com/tv/shows/lalunasangre/photos/albums/70120517-look-fun-time-with-team-la-luna-sangre'>ABS-CBN celebrities</a>.</p><p>Crystal Tremblay-Sison, her husband David Sison, and father Richard Tremblay have been hands-on with restaurant operations, making an effort to brave the Metro Manila traffic to make sure that each branch is performing consistently in terms of food and service. </p><p>They strive to continue what Crystal’s mother, the late Malou “Mama Lou” Tremblay, started, by offering a combination of Italian classics and fun twists. Make sure to order the delicious egg-topped Breakfast Pizza, one of the newest items on the menu.</p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BXPD9jgDIXk/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BXPD9jgDIXk/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2017-08-01T03:01:32+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Jul 31, 2017 at 8:01pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>ABS-CBN News recently sat down with Crystal and David as they talked about Mama Lou’s beginnings as well the challenges of expanding a family restaurant and giving customers a memorable dining experience.</p><p><strong>Here are five tips that aspiring restaurant owners can learn from them:</strong></p><p><strong>1. COOK WITH LOVE</strong></p><p>“Binabalik-balikan ditto for the past seven years is my mom’s specialty, her Spaghetti Seafood Olio. It’s a very simple dish – it’s mixed seafood cooked in olive oil and garlic. It’s actually very simple, and a lot of people have tried recreating it in their homes. But of course, hindi nila makuha-kuha. We have our own secret ingredient – love,” Crystal said. </p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BTG3VJUjJA0/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BTG3VJUjJA0/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2017-04-20T12:31:40+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Apr 20, 2017 at 5:31am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>“In everything that we do, we have love in it. Lots of love.”</p><p><strong>2. TAKE CALCULATED RISKS</strong></p><p>“Nagbukas kami sa UP Town. Noong nabigyan kami ng offer, kinuha na namin. Nagbukas kami noong 2013. Nagulat ako kasi sobrang dami naming customers sa Quezon City. Hindi kami familiar sa area eh, so ‘yun, sinugal namin. Pero at the same time, we made sure [to plan],” David said. </p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/xdSLsaxLHh/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/xdSLsaxLHh/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2015-01-05T03:42:11+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Jan 4, 2015 at 7:42pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>“Today, UP Town is our strongest branch. It’s the smallest, pero pinakamalakas in terms of revenue per square.”</p><p><strong>3. ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST</strong></p><p>“Hindi kami nagso-soft opening. I think it’s an excuse for you to make mistakes. When we were opening restaurants, when we were growing, we made sure na may credit card na, full force na ang staff, and full menu na,” David said. </p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BdBpE1IHPB2/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BdBpE1IHPB2/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2017-12-23T01:04:50+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Dec 22, 2017 at 5:04pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>“Mahirap pa rin, it’s a lot of work. But we still do it.”</p><p><strong>4. MAKE YOUR CUSTOMERS FEEL IMPORTANT</strong></p><p>“The food should be really good, but it’s only secondary. Dalawa kasi ‘yan, eh. You should also create systems, making sure that the guests would have a memorable experience,” David said.</p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ2YblRjBxI/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.5% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ2YblRjBxI/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2017-10-05T02:33:34+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Oct 4, 2017 at 7:33pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>“Doon kami nakagawa ng standards, ng mga training, because we were very hands-on in the restaurant while creating the systems.”</p><p><strong>5. DON’T BE SWEPT AWAY BY TRENDS</strong></p><p>“Why do concepts like TGI Friday’s work? They’ve been here in the Philippines since he 90s. Shakey’s has been here since the 70s. But these brands have survived without rebranding because their brand is very solid. That’s what we’re aiming for,” David said. </p><blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BY4dsfejInd/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:35.648148148148145% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BY4dsfejInd/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2017-09-11T01:26:39+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Sep 10, 2017 at 6:26pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>“Mama Lou’s is a place where you can celebrate with family. We didn’t want to be ‘yung, wow, ito ‘yung trending ngayon. Gusto namin ‘yung slowly kaming lalabas. People won’t notice immediately, it’s okay. We don’t need to advertise. Word of mouth is the best, that’s how we did it in the beginning. Mama Lou’s is here to stay, and that’s how we envision it.”</p>

<p>MANILA – From a humble family restaurant, Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen has become one of Metro Manila’s well-loved dining spots.</p><p>More than ten years since it first opened at BF Homes in Parañaque, Mama Lou’s now has a total of six restaurants, including two in Quezon City. </p>

<blockquote class='instagram-media' data-instgrm-permalink='https://www.instagram.com/p/BKw_xcYg8vW/' data-instgrm-version='8' style=' background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);'><div style='padding:8px;'><div style=' background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:37.5% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;'><div style=' background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;'> </div></div><p style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BKw_xcYg8vW/' style=' color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;' target='_blank'>A post shared by Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen (@mama_lous)</a> on <time datetime='2016-09-25T04:30:59+00:00' style=' font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;'>Sep 24, 2016 at 9:30pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async defer src='https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js' type='text/javascript'></script></p>

<p>From a humble family restaurant, Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen has become one of Metro Manila’s well-loved dining spots. </p>

From a humble family restaurant, Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen has become one of Metro Manila’s well-loved dining spots.

5 tips on running a restaurant from Mama Lou's owners | ABS-CBN News

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Lifestyle

5 tips on running a restaurant from Mama Lou's owners

5 tips on running a restaurant from Mama Lou's owners