From operating from a home kitchen, investing in a food truck, and opening up a restaurant, Manang Pika has quickly captured the hearts of the island through their unique and flavorful dishes.
Our Roots
Manang Pika’s journey embarked amidst the pandemic. As the island slowed down and the community was confined to their homes, many were left to boredom. This was no different for our founders. Jess and her siblings would make homemade dinanche and sell these jars to family and friends, on average selling 30 jars daily. The overwhelming support the family received led them to the realization that their fun passion project had the potential to grow into something much more special.
The name “Manang Pika” is a nod to their roots. “Manang" translates to “older sister” in Tagalog and “Pika '' translates to “Spicy” in CHamoru, perfectly encapsulating the essence of their ventures.
Exploring New Ventures
Manang Pika expanded from crafting dinanche to birria tacos, which quickly gained traction on the island. The community would line up to their home for their food, leading Manang Pika to sell about 500 orders every Saturday. In response to the demand and success, the team was inspired to invest in a food truck.
On July 31st, 2021, Manang Pika was established as an official business. This marked a significant transition to a serious business, fueled by the community’s support.
The popularity of the food truck was just the beginning for Manang Pika. The success ignited a new dream - opening up a restaurant. Despite having no prior experience with running a restaurant, the family took a risk, fueled by the support of the community and personal determination. The team encountered challenges, but their commitment did not waiver.
On January 27, 2024, Manang Pika officially opened its restaurant doors, providing customers a spot to enjoy their local favorites.
Testament of Resilience
Manang Pika stands today as a testament of resilience, community, and passion. The family at Manang Pika have been able to build up a renowned business that has transformed their lives. It represents not just a business, but also a family’s passion for food and desire to share it with others.
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