Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Vega Hardy.
Hi Kathy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was a former accountant and when I was let go from my job, I started to think what else I can do. I noticed there was a lack of Filipino cuisine representation in Denver (where I started the business), I got to work on some recipes. My mom who was a chef when we lived in the Philippines so I flew her out to Denver and had her helped me with some of the basic recipes like lumpias, adobo and pancit. I started off small with a food truck. A Taste of the Philippines (AToTP) was born and opened in April 2012. It was absolutely insane how many people showed up to support and I knew then that something special was happening.
AToTP quickly gained popularity in Denver. Working on the 16th St Mall to Civic Center Eats to private/corporate events it was just insane how the people embraced the cuisine. In 2018, I moved the business to Chicago and started at the South Loop Farmer’s Market. I sold out every week at the market and knew I wanted to do more. The goal was to get in the French Market, but I knew I wasn’t ready yet so I decided to take AToTP to Daley Plaza farmers market. I gained more popularity there and became known at the “Lumpia Lady”. I spent two seasons there and in July 2020 I opened in the French Market in the midst of a global pandemic. As hard as that was, I fought for the business and held on and made it. In April 2024, I opened a brick and mortar in Jefferson park.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think owning a small business is always a struggle and a learning process. It’s part of growth.
I faced struggles transitioning the business from Denver to Chicago. I opened the French Market during a global pandemic when everyone was ordered to stay indoors. It’s a lot of mental struggles with this business having to navigate and balance home and work life. I have 2 young kids.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about A Taste of the Philippines?
A Taste of the Philippines is a Filipino restaurant in Jefferson Park. I love this business because I get to share my Filipino culture through food. I serve authentic and some creative menu that sticks to my roots. I’m so proud of all the transitions the business has been through and a staple in Jefferson Park where I reside for our brunch menu. Aside from the restaurant, we also offer corporate and private catering.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think if you ask people what my best characteristic is, they’d say that I’m a hard worker. I’ve always worked hard to get to what I want in life. That and I genuinely love what I do for work. When you put your heart and soul into your craft people tend to be drawn to that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.atasteofthephilippines.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteofthephilippines/reels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tasteofthephilippines/
