How to put up an online food business according to Matt Lozano
Putting up a food business is one of the ways to earn income especially these days, when most people have been staying at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Food is an essential need, hence investing in a food business would be the best decision if you want steady stream of income in these uncertain times.
Kapuso star Matt Lozano, owner of online food business Lozano's Kitchen shared that his original plan was to put up a small restaurant. When the pandemic started, however, he dropped his original business plan to pursue an online food store featuring their very own family recipes.
He said, “I was planning to put up a small restaurant kasi matagal ko nang pangarap 'yun. Kaya lang hindi nga natuloy kasi nga sa pandemic.
"And naging thankful rin ako na hindi natuloy 'yung restaurant ko kasi baka nag-invest ako ng malaking money to put up a restaurant pero 'yun nga baka masayang lang lahat ng investments ko.”
Matt added that with the help of his mom and collective effort of their family, he decided to run an online food business.
“I talked to my mom, sabi niya marami kaming friends na gustong matikman 'yung luto namin ulit and we decided to make Lozano's Kitchen.
"Meron kaming Filipino food na niluluto and tumatanggap kami ng orders para i-deliver sa mga kanya-kanyang bahay.”
Matt confessed that he initially felt uneasy during the first few days of running the business.
But as things progressed and orders started to come in, he found himself gaining confidence and feeling good.
To help other people who are considering putting up a food business, Matt shared some of the tips that he learned from Lozano's Kitchen.
1. Consider having a consultant
Matt said that having a consultant will be a big help in running a business especially if you are just starting up.
“I have a consultant and siya yung nagtuturo sa akin kung ano 'yung mga puwede kong gawin, mga dos and don'ts sa kanya ako ngayon nagri-rely.
"So far, naman okey naman 'yung business. Since may naga-advice sa akin napapatakbo naman ng maayos. I am proud to have my own business right now.”
2. Accept feedback from customers
The owner of Lozano's Kitchen said that he is actually open to critics. Customer feedback--whether good or bad--will help him improve his brand.
“Huwag na huwag kayong mawawalan ng tiwala sa sarili ninyo.
"Kailangan marunong kayong tumanggap ng criticism sa lahat ng mga tao sa paligid natin. Kung hindi ka makikinig sa sinasabi ng iba, hindi mo mapi-perfect 'yung product na gusto mong gawin.”
3. Use social media wisely
Matt believed that business owners should learn how to use social media wisely.
“Kung confident ka doon sa product mo, kailangan nating ilabas 'yan... may social media tayo ngayon, you can always promote your business.”
He added, “As long as meron tayong internet, you can always sell your food and kahit ano pang mga business.”
4. Follow health and safety measures
When it comes to food business, safety and cleanliness is a must, most especially in the time of COVID-19.
Matt described the preparation that they are doing to make sure that they will deliver safe and delicious meals to their customers.
“Everytime we cook, bago kami pumasok sa kusina namin, we always wear hair nets, meron kaming masks, meron kaming gloves para naman kahit papano in that way alam namin na malinis and hindi nalalagyan ng kahit anong dumi 'yung food namin.”
Learn more about Matt's business by visiting @lozanos_kitchen on Instagram.
Celebrities launch businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic