Today we’d like to introduce you to Donramon Jante.
Hi Donramon, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Flip ‘n Patties all started in my garage selling siopao and Filipino empanadas. Our first thought was to start a small bakery, but that plan changed when we encountered a food truck at the Marquis II. We operated the food truck for about five years before meeting a guy named Peter at an event I spoke at, and he offered us a second-generation restaurant.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A restaurant, or any business, is never a smooth road; if it were, everyone would have a business. Owning a business is not for the weak. There were many beautiful struggles, from cash flow to leadership and truck breaking down to Houston’s bipolar weather. So many lessons were learned throughout the journey, a process that will last forever. We had to figure out how to be an electrician, plumber, accountant, and mechanic, as well as cook and wash dishes simultaneously. It is a beautiful struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
Flip ‘n Patties is best known for its Filipino-American experience. We specialize in everything from the Filipino-loving culture to the flavors of the Philippines. I think what sets us apart from the rest is the love we put into our people, guests, and food and the relentless work of not giving up.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
- Everyone who has stepped foot as an FnP team member and all of our guests deserves credit for making us who we are today. I take all of our experiences, reevaluate everything we do, and try to be better.
- My wife Angie has been everything in this journey. She has been there through the worst and the best. She was there when I worked 24 hours, and she and the kids would sleep at our warehouse by my side. Without her and our children, we would not be here.
- The first FnP food truck team that built a foundation of who we are today and who we have become. At one point, we were a close family, and they will all hold dear to my heart.
- My sense partner Mike. We started the food truck together but have parted ways with different visions. He has poured in a lot, and we had an incredible journey together. Now he operates the FnP in Downtown.
- My godparents and Mike’s parents, Ninong Jhuen and Tita Maritz, were there for us and helped us get out of rough times. They were unconditionally supportive and God’s gift to FnP.
- To our extended family, who is always supporting us
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flipnpatties.com
- Instagram: @flipnpatties
- Facebook: @flipnpatties
- Twitter: @flipnpatties
- Youtube: @flipnpatties
- Yelp: @flipnpatties
