Today we’d like to introduce you to Khris Astudillo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Serbesa started as an idea between my brother, three of my cousins, and I. It began when my grandmother passed away in August of 2012; we were drinking beer, eating Filipino food, and celebrating her life. The five of us began talking about how we should open a bar and serve traditional Filipino food. We would call it “Cousins” and its purpose would be for people to be able to come to our bar and be able to experience the same great vibes we have at our family get-togethers.
I’ve been a Chemistry teacher for eleven years; but last year, I finally decided to put the wheels in motion! I began by talking to my friends in the craft beer and food industry, friends that I had made throughout the years as a craft beer enthusiast. One of my friends suggested that I change the name to Serbesa, which is the word for beer in Tagalog, the Filipino language. I asked my good friend Tyler Cristobal (@tylizo) to come up with my logo and mascots, and he did an amazing job.
My debut event was a “Tuesday Supper” at Toronado, the bar where craft beer enthusiasts go to get the best craft beer. My friends at Toronado were an integral part of my initial success and we have shared a great partnership since then. Serbesa has held several events at Toronado and we are now set to do “Menu Takeovers” every last Saturday of each month. In addition, Serbesa has presented its food to various breweries, including; Homebrewing Company, Thorn Brewing Company, North Park Beer Company, and Burgeon Beer Company.
Today, Serbesa continues to build a following through events in various locations ever striving towards the ultimate goal of opening a permanent location that would house Serbesa, Craft Beer & Filipino Kitchen.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I always knew that starting my own business would be incredibly hard. It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I have no experience in the industry or managing a kitchen, thus the initial event at Toronado was simultaneously exciting and nerve-racking. The main struggle is learning everything as I progress in this venture.
With each event, I gain insight on how to manage a kitchen, how to run a business, and how to promote the Serbesa brand. Another struggle was in creating recipes for all of my food. Until I started Serbesa, I cooked all of my food from memory and taste. But the research and development of the recipes for all of Serbesa’s dishes were necessary so that future members of Team Serbesa will be able to cook my delicious family recipes!
Another struggle I face currently is finding a balance between being a teacher and being owner/operator of Serbesa. I find myself often exhausted between the responsibilities of my two careers. However, my brother and my parents have been there to help me with every Serbesa event along the way. It is with their love and support that I can continue to be successful in both of my endeavors.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Serbesa story. Tell us more about it.
At the moment, Serbesa is a catering business that specializes in traditional Filipino food. We have regular events in different craft beer bars and breweries throughout San Diego. There are many family-owned Filipino food businesses in National City, however, none of them are doing what I’m trying to do.
The ultimate goal is to open Serbesa, Craft Beer & Filipino Kitchen. A place where people drink refreshing craft beer, eat delicious Filipino food, and experience the Filipino culture that focuses on family and friendships.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has definitely played a role in the success of Serbesa. But more so than luck, it is the support and advice I receive from my family and friends, as well as the hard work I put in each day that truly makes Serbesa what it is.
Contact Info:
- Website: serbesa.net
- Email: hello@serbesa.net
- Instagram: @serbesasd
- Facebook: Serbesa
- Twitter: @serbesasd
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