In the bustling heart of the Philippines, Burger Mama stands out as more than just a local eatery. Led by Marjorie, this beloved burger joint uses Loyverse POS to streamline operations and create jobs for local students. In this interview, Marjorie shares how Burger Mama is helping students achieve their educational dreams while serving up delicious meals.

Why, how, and when did you start your business?

My current business started during the pandemic. Before, I have been in the furniture and lights business for almost nine years. During the pandemic, we had to shut down our operations in the Ayala Mall. With nothing to do at home, I decided to recreate the burger recipe I used to make more than ten years ago. Even McDonald's was closed during that time, and my son loves burgers. So, I started making burgers again and shared them with friends in our community. They loved it and encouraged me to sell them.

Initially, I was hesitant because I wasn't into food and wasn't used to working in the kitchen, having spent 22 years in the corporate world, including 15 years at Pfizer and nine years at Mead Johnson. However, the feedback was positive, and we already had a following of people who loved the burgers. Even after the pandemic, some consistent customers kept ordering from me.

When we relocated our furniture store last year, I found a small cafe space next to it. That was my condition: if we could find a small cafe space beside our furniture store, I would consider managing both. So, in April 2023, we opened Burger Mama Cafe, offering homemade burgers in a small, cozy setting. This allowed our regular clients to have a go-to place for their burger cravings.

Who inspired and supported you during the journey?

My mom, who was in the US, played a significant role in encouraging me. During the pandemic, we would Facetime, and she would teach me how to mix ingredients efficiently. When I visited the US last year, she convinced me to open a burger cafe instead of expanding our furniture store. Her support and experience in the food business were crucial to my decision.

Is Burger Mama expanding?

By late last year, we opened another branch closer to the community where Burger Mama started. So now we have two branches. Despite our primary business being furniture, the burger business has gained traction, and we are slowly recovering from the financial losses incurred during the pandemic.

What were the challenges and how did Loyverse help you?

Managing the business operations efficiently was a challenge. I needed a good POS system but was cautious about the costs. I found the Loyverse POS system, through a recommendation and decided to try it. It was simple to use, especially for taking orders and managing sales. However, I faced difficulties with inventory management and integrating both branches into one system. Since Loyverse can manage multiple branches under one account and many other features, I plan to explore them further with support from their customer service.

Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Starting a business is not just about having the money; it's about having the right characteristics and attitude. You need tenacity, determination, and a willingness to work hard. It's different from being an employee where you earn a salary regardless of your effort. As an entrepreneur, you must make sacrifices and put in a lot of hard work. Additionally, having a clear purpose and passion for what you do is essential.

Community Impact

I'm proud that Burger Mama has been able to help young people in our community, like the graduating grade 12 students we've employed. It's fulfilling to see how our business has positively impacted their lives and helped them with their education.

Final Thoughts and Future Plans

So far, I'm happy with Loyverse and the support they offer. There are still features I need to explore, such as inventory management and integrating both branches into one account. I plan to reach out for support to streamline

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