HOUSTON – Owners of a popular Houston food truck celebrated a major milestone Saturday -- moving into a brick and mortar location, despite the truck being robbed at gunpoint in December.
Cousins Michael and Don Jante had dreams of opening up their own restaurant one day.
"This was always the end game. We never had enough money to open up a restaurant, so that's why we started the truck," said Michael Jante, co-owner of the Flip 'n Patties restaurant and food truck.
The Houston-born food enthusiasts decided to share their love for Filipino culture with the world.
"We want to introduce Filipino flavors like where our parents came from," Michael Jante said. "Our culture is what we want to share. The Filipino culture is all about love, about supporting each other, about coming out and eating, and so the best way to do it is through this restaurant."
And they also showcase their love for American and Texas food.
"Let's say skewers. We do a Texas smoke on it, but it's FIlipino BBQ," said Don Jante, also co-owner. "We make our own barbecue sauce that's been taught by my uncles. They taught me how to cook it."
Bringing recipes and flavors from their ancestors, the Jantes came up with a unique and meaningful menu that debuted on the Flip 'N Patties food truck they started in 2012.
"The burgers are amazing. It's always exactly what I expect," said regular customer Jeff Tolentino.
However, in December, at around 2:30 a.m., the food truck was robbed at gunpoint. Three thieves took all the money in the truck. The owners were devastated and worried it would jeopardize their ability to open a brick and mortar location on time.
"It's unfortunate that the truck got robbed, but I always knew they would make it through," Tolentino said.
More than 100 people in the community donated thousands of dollars to their cause, helping the cousins open their brick and mortar location at 1809 Eldridge Parkway.
"We have a 'Love Wall,' " said Michael Jante, pointing to the walls on the ceiling of their new place.
There are hundreds of names and messages from donors, reminders of encouragement that will be a permanent part of the restaurant.
The Jantes and their Flip 'n Patties team celebrated the grand opening of their new location on Saturday.
Known for their quirky named flavorful menu, all day, people lined up for a meal.
"Since we top that burger with smoked pork butt, in the Philippines 'puet' means 'butt' so we call it the 'Puet Burger,' " Michael Jante said.
"I'm willing to wait in line for four hours -- no questions asked just to get the burger -- they're that good," said regular George Vegafria.
The walls bear pink unicorns, cartoon superhero versions of staff and family and of course, the illustrated version of the Flip 'n Patties truck. All of the four murals and bathroom designs were painted by one of the managers and chefs, Emmanuelle Mariategue, who joined the staff three years ago.
"Flip 'n Patties became like a home and a family," Mariategue said.
One of the murals features some of Flip 'n Patties' earliest leaders, faces you would see at the restaurant today.
"It's about mostly making (the place) fun and funny," Mariategue said.
Just like their menus.
"Food's not supposed to be taken seriously," Don Jante said.
Their iconic secret ingredient?
"Unicorn sprinkles, unicorn Tears, unicorn farts -- everything," manager Jonathan Norris said.
They're not saying what it's actually made of, but the food seems to be seasoned with a bit of humor and a lot of love from everyone.
"There are some weird names (on the menu), but I love it. It's the best in town," patron Jet Tacardon said.
For more information about Flip 'n Patties, click link.