About Us
Our Story
Opening a restaurant with zero experience was the biggest test of our lives. We invested our entire savings into it and risked everything. From finding the location to purchasing equipment, and even hiring staff, was a struggle for us. Time was not on our side, but with the help of our family, friends, and the best team, we were able to pull through. Even after finally opening, we faced many challenges along the way. Transitioning from working in a food truck to a restaurant setting was entirely new to us.
Our doors opened to the public on January 22, 2024, and we were met with a flood of customers coming to support us. Initially, finding our own groove was difficult, but we eventually figured out what works best for us. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. Without them, without our support network, we wouldn't have come this far. It still feels surreal to call ourselves restaurant owners."
Timeline
2020 Pandemic
The Start
Manang Pika began during the Covid-19 pandemic. With ample time on our hands, we started selling jars of dinanche on Instagram to friends and family. Selling over 30 jars a day, we met up with customers across the island. This period became special as our family joined in to help. It was a bonding experience for us, sparked by boredom and a desire for fun.
Things took a serious turn when we stumbled upon a recipe for birria tacos on TikTok. Through social media, our tacos gained rapid popularity across the island. Lacking a commercial space, we operated from our home, functioning like a makeshift drive-through. With nearly 500 orders every Saturday, cars lined up from various villages of Guam.
July 2021
Food Truck
On July 31st, 2021, we officially launched our food truck still keeping the name Manang Pika, with unwavering support from family, friends, and fans, quickly becoming the island's favorite.
Manang Pika proved to be life-changing. Both my brother and I were able to leave our day jobs, freeing our mom from her two jobs, while our younger sister also joined us after leaving her own employment. What started as a pandemic-inspired venture for fun became a thriving business within two years!
January 2024
Restaurant Opening
After two years in operation, we knew Manang Pika was onto something big. Recognizing the importance of growth, we took the leap to open a restaurant, driven not just by personal ambition but by gratitude to our steadfast supporters. From friends who tirelessly promoted us to family who offered selfless assistance, and customers who waited patiently in long lines, we embarked on this journey for them.
Launching a restaurant with zero experience was our greatest challenge yet. We risked our entire savings, facing hurdles from securing a location to sourcing equipment and labor. Despite the obstacles, with the unwavering support of our loved ones and the dedication of our team, we overcame every obstacle.
Our restaurant's doors opened on January 22, 2024, greeted by a flood of supportive customers. While adapting from the food truck to a restaurant setting was initially daunting, we found our rhythm. Grateful for our exceptional team, whose dedication propelled us forward, we acknowledge that our success wouldn't have been possible without them. It still feels surreal to call ourselves restaurant owners.
