Local Favorites with Filipino Roots, G-Town Catering

Romy Parras had a problem. His family left the Philippines for Hawaii when he was 5 years old in the hopes of a better life. Whether better or not, life was certainly busier. He recounts a childhood where his parents were often working and not at home to take care of him and his siblings. When he became a young father of four himself, he found himself repeating the same vicious cycle- working 3 different jobs to support children he was rarely able to see. He wanted to spend more quality time coaching afterschool baseball with his kids. That’s when he heard about the Pacific Gateway Center’s CBI (Culinary Business Incubator) program.

First referred by a newspaper article, a chance meeting with Pacific Gateway Center’s Director, Dr. Tin Myaing Thein, at Farrington High School sealed the deal. G-Town Catering was started in 2007, selling health conscious versions of Hawaii’s local plate lunch favorites like Chicken Katsu and Mac Salad out of one of the CBI’s 12 commercial kitchens. Locally grown spring greens were mixed up with flavors from both his Hawaiian home and his Filipino roots with the hopes of being able to support a growing family on a single job.

Over ten years later, G-Town Catering is still going strong, making weekly appearances at local healthcare hubs’ Farmer’s Markets as well as catering for events big and small. In fact, Mr. Parras has become something of a figure at the shared kitchens, often referred to familiarly as “Uncle Romy” and asked by rookie catering hopefuls for advice. The secret to his success? Simply: “Family”. “Make sure your family has your back” Romy advises first time entrepreneurs, “When you are in a pinch, knowing you can call on someone is everything.”

Romy was able to support his family thanks to his business, and best of all, is now spending time with his oldest son every day-as a partner at the catering company! This father / son duo can be seen cooking at the CBI every morning and serving up ono grindz at the following locations:

Kaiser Moanalua Market - 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 11 am-1:30 pm
3288 Moanalua Road

Kaiser Honolulu - Every Thursday, 11 am–1:30 pm
1010 Pensacola Street

Kaiser Waipio - 2nd & 4th Thursday, 11 am–1:30 pm
94-1480 Moaniani

HMSA Keeaumoku - Every Tuesday & Friday, 11 am–1:30 pm
Tuesdays, located in the HMSA building, Makai side lobby
Fridays, located outside the building by Rycroft Street

First Insurance Center - 1st Wednesday, 11 am–1:30 pm
1100 Ward Ave.

Contact G-Town Catering: (808) 226-7958 or gtowncatering@gmail.com

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