The Inspiring Journey of Lola Liza Foods: A Top Growing Business in Kitchener, Waterloo & Cambridge!

From Snowy Struggles to Sizzling Success The Inspiring Journey of Lola Liza Foods in Kitchener-Waterloo

In every Filipino story of migration, there is courage. In every sacrifice, there is love. And in every dream pursued far from home, there is faith. The story of Lola Liza Foods is a beautiful reflection of all three—an inspiring journey that continues to warm hearts (and fill plates) across Kitchener-Waterloo.

A Leap of Faith

Leaving Home for a Better Future Back in August 2019, life in the Philippines was stable—but something was missing.

As a Business Development Manager in an IT consulting company, and with a husband working as a wiper on a ship, life was built on hard work and perseverance. But the reality was difficult: there were limited opportunities for land-based work in the Philippines, and more importantly, a growing family needed both parents together.

So when the opportunity to move to Canada came, they took it—wholeheartedly. With deep gratitude, they acknowledge the people who helped make it possible, especially family members who opened doors and believed in their dream. That support became the foundation of everything that followed.

The Reality Behind the Dream

Starting a new life in Canada was far from easy. There were days of walking long distances in heavy snow because there was no car. Days of pushing and pulling heavy groceries through icy streets.

Moments when even buying a simple fast-food meal for each person felt out of reach. Winter clothing—so essential in Canada—came mostly from the kindness of others.

Their young child was often passed between them at train or bus stations just to make sure neither would be late for work. Meanwhile, her husband worked two full-time jobs, surviving on barely two hours of sleep a day.

Exhaustion led to arguments. Stress weighed heavily. But despite everything, they stayed focused on one thing: their goal. They never gave up. And through it all, they held tightly to their faith.

“Always pray,” became more than advice—it became their anchor.

Their story is not unique. Many in the Filipino-Canadian community have faced similar struggles, or even greater ones. But their message is clear and powerful: Every sacrifice has a beautiful outcome.

Finding Family in Community

Arriving in a new country without relatives can feel isolating. Starting a business in that situation can feel even more uncertain. Would anyone support them? That question didn’t last long.

What they found instead was overwhelming love from the Filipino community in Kitchener-Waterloo. Customers became friends. Friends became family. They gained new “ates,” “kuyas,” “titios,” and “titas”—a community that embraced them wholeheartedly and stood behind their journey. That support became one of their greatest blessings.

Humble Beginnings:

From BBQ Dreams to Reality Even back in the Philippines, the entrepreneurial spirit was already there.

A love for business, combined with a passion for cooking—especially their well-loved Filipino BBQ—planted the seed. People would often say, “Masarap!” (“It’s delicious!”)

That was all the encouragement they needed. With little savings and a leap of faith, they started small—a food truck.

No roadmap. No prior experience running a business in Canada. Just determination, courage, and a willingness to learn. They navigated paperwork, regulations, and uncertainty one step at a time. Financially, it wasn’t easy. They relied partly on a Personal Line of Credit just to get started. But slowly, through hard work and community support, the business grew. They paid off their debts.

They reinvested. They expanded. And today, Lola Liza Foods stands as one of the most beloved Filipino food businesses in Kitchener-Waterloo.

A Message to Dreamers

Start Where You Are Their journey is a reminder that there is no “perfect time” to start a business. Starting small is not a weakness—it’s a strength. You don’t need millions to begin.

Sometimes, all you need is:

• A little capital

• A lot of courage

• And unwavering faith

“There’s nothing wrong with starting small. What matters is that you start.

” Entrepreneurship will always involve risk. It is, in many ways, a gamble. But with determination and prayer, even the smallest beginnings can grow into something extraordinary"

More Than a Business

Today, Lola Liza Foods is more than just a restaurant.

It is a symbol of:

• Family

• Faith

• Resilience

• And the power of community

It represents every Filipino who dared to dream beyond borders, who endured hardships silently, and who continues to build a better future—not just for themselves, but for their children.

A Story That Feeds the Soul

As the Filipino Canadian Association of Kitchener-Waterloo proudly highlights Lola Liza Foods as one of the top local businesses, we celebrate more than their success.

We celebrate their story.

A story that reminds us:

• To never give up

• To hold on to faith

• And to believe that even the hardest journeys can lead to the most beautiful destinations

From snowy struggles to sizzling success—this is the heart of Lola Liza Foods. And this is what makes them truly inspiring.

MABUHAY from Lola Liza Foods!