#FoodPH - From Home Kitchen to Community Favorite: How Nicolai’s Cuisine Rose with a Little Help from iSTAR
In the heart of Pinamungahan, Cebu, there’s a carinderia that’s more than just a place to grab a quick meal—it’s a story of family, resilience, and the power of learning new tricks, no matter where you start.
Meet Juniel and Salome Lucero, the couple behind Nicolai’s Cuisine. Their journey began like many Filipino food ventures: with a love for cooking and a dream to build something lasting for their family. But as with most small businesses, the early days were tough. Sales were unpredictable, their location was far from ideal, and there were moments when they wondered if they could keep going.
Everything changed when Juniel, a former OFW, joined the STAR Program (the foundation of what would become Coca-Cola Philippines’ iSTAR Program). Suddenly, the couple had access to practical skills—financial literacy, inventory management, and the basics of running a food business. It was the kind of knowledge that turned daily challenges into opportunities.
When the pandemic hit, the Luceros didn’t just survive—they adapted. They shifted to online orders, built a loyal customer base, and even started catering and selling lechon belly packages. With the iSTAR Program’s digital training, they learned about product costing, digital payments, and online marketing. Soon, they were running group chats for orders, accepting mobile payments, and reaching customers far beyond their barangay.
The results? Nicolai’s Cuisine grew from a modest home kitchen to a thriving enterprise with three staff members, a registered business, and a monthly income that jumped from ₱30,000 to ₱50,000. Their creative promos—like raffles for lechon belly and free delivery—kept customers coming back for more. And their story didn’t go unnoticed: the Luceros received the Top One Most Impactful and Inspiring Award under the iSTAR: HERStories program.
But what really stands out is their willingness to learn and adapt. “If you’re willing to learn, it’s free and it’s worth it. Grab the opportunities that will come your way,” the Luceros share. Their advice rings true for anyone dreaming of starting something new, whether it’s a food stall, a side hustle, or a passion project.
Coca-Cola Philippines’ iSTAR Program has helped over 300,000 entrepreneurs like the Luceros, proving that with the right support, small businesses can do big things. For Nicolai’s Cuisine, the journey is far from over—but their story is already a recipe for inspiration.
Curious about more stories of Filipino grit and growth? Visit our blog for more inspiring journeys and practical tips for your own business dreams.
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