Childhood Friends Start The Successful Business Franchise Of Siomai King

Two childhood best friends prove that the common belief that business destroys friendships is not always true. Let’s get to know the story behind the successful business franchise, Siomai King.

Childhood Friends Start The Successful Business Franchise Of Siomai King
Image by Siomai King

Siomai may have originated in China, but it has gained a special place in every Pinoy’s heart. A siomai stall can easily be found in every mall, street corner, and almost every food court area. Pinoys’ love for siomai was the inspiration of young entrepreneurs Jonathan So and Carlito Macadangdang, the founders of Siomai King.

Siomai King is one of the most recognizable siomai brands all over the country. It has received awards and recognition for its innovative franchising systems. For 2 consecutive years, Siomai King bagged the Franchise Company of the Year award from Asia Leader’s Awards.

Siomai King is the brainchild of friends Jonathan and Carlito. They launched JC Worldwide Franchise Inc. in 2006 after studying the potential of food franchising in the Philippine market. In an interview shared on Siomai King’s Facebook page, the two founders recalled that they were looking for a franchise they could afford and realized almost everything available was expensive. This prompted them to come up with their own franchise that’s affordable for aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Nagkaroon kami ng realization na why not, magtayo kami ng sarili, which na create nga namin ang Siomai King,” Jonathan shared.

The friends started with P20,000 each and opened a stall. They soon opened their business for franchising until it expanded. “Stress is part of business. From one branch, overwhelmingly lumaki. Ngayon meron kaming more than a thousand branches of Siomai King nationwide,” Jonathan added.

Childhood Friends Start The Successful Business Franchise Of Siomai King
Image by Siomai King via Facebook

According to Carlito, the most fulfilling part of their business is being able to fulfill their dream of a good future for their family. “Napasaya namin ang pamilya namin. Pangarap namin is a better life for the whole family.”

Jonathan added that it’s also fulfilling that they get to help provide jobs and help ordinary individuals start their own businesses. “Naging channel of blessing kami na mas makatulong sa mas maraming tao,” he said.

Words of advice

The two successful businessmen shared some pieces of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Carlito reiterated the importance of having a dream and holding on to it no matter how difficult it may seem. “Ipagpatuloy mo yang pangarap mo,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jonathan’s advice is to keep the virtues of hard work and patience. He reminded that there’s no shortcut to success and you really need to put in the effort and work hard. “Walang shortcut sa success,” he said.

If you’re interested, you can learn how to franchise Siomai King and get started in your own business!

Sally Mae

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