WATCH: Why This Pinoy ‘Karenderya’ in Texas Has People Lining Up

In Princeton, Texas, a Filipino “karenderya” is attracting a lot of attention. Several people have been lining up to dine at a basic outdoor restaurant managed by Pinoy businesswoman Josephine Cook aka “Ate Jo” to their regulars and her Japanese-American husband, Allen, according to a feature report on GMA News’ “State of the Nation.”

They offer a lovely Filipino dining experience, replete with karaoke, and serve a variety of Pinoy comfort food such as lechon, banana cue, leche flan, and so on.

Here’s Why This Pinoy ‘Karenderya’ in Texas Has People Lining Up
Screengrab of a video report posted by GMA News / YouTube

Big Hit: Pinoy Karenderya’ Has People Lining Up in Texas

Josephine explained that she came up with the outdoor karinderya concept after noticing the large number of indoor and air-conditioned restaurants in their neighbourhood.

When asked what the “secret ingredient” to their success was, Josephine simply stated that she wanted to see a smile on the faces of her customers.

“Yung ngingiti din sila kasi ngingiti ka [That moment when you smile at them and they smile back],” Josephine said.

“Kahit na pagod ka, ngumiti ka parin kasi [kapag] naghahanap buhay ka, gusto mo ‘yung hanapbuhay mo umunlad, ngumiti ka [No matter how tired you are, you should smile. You’re running a business! If you want it to go well, you should smile],” she added.

If you’re in the neighborhood or are visiting from nearby areas, make sure to check out their heavenly selection of all-time Filipino favorites served fresh and hot! Check out the photos below and try not to drool.

Here’s Why This Pinoy ‘Karenderya’ in Texas Has People Lining Up

Here’s Why This Pinoy ‘Karenderya’ in Texas Has People Lining Up

Screengrab from ORC Filipino Asian/American BBQ / Facebook Page

Catch the full video feature here:

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