If there is one dish that trended during the lockdowns, that was Baked Sushi. However, for cabin crew Luis and Kaysel, it was more than a trend, but a business opportunity. Indeed, this flight attendant couple found a lucrative business in baked sushi which has been going on for more than a year. This is the story of The Galley, a business owned by a cabin crew couple from two different airlines.
These are Luis Acosta and Kaysel Rodrigues, both cabin crew members from different airlines. They are also a long-time cabin crew couple who just enjoy working together in the galley. Wait, they work in the same galley but fly in different airlines? Yes, they are partners and work together in their business named The Galley Manila!
A common passion turned into a business opportunity during the pandemic
The Galley Manila is a small business born out of love, for food! Its two specialties are baked sushi and a variety of platter meals. It all started in 2020 during the first Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila. All flights were canceled, cabin crew members were on unpaid leave, and no one was allowed to leave home.
However, both Luise and Kaysel did not really think of putting up a business right away. Aside from flying, the love for food and cooking did connect this couple where they simply loved conducting their favorite dishes. Due to the awesome taste of their dishes, the cabin crew couple was getting referrals and recommendations from relatives and friends.
One day, a friend recommended that they turn their passion into a business and open an online store, especially in a time when extra income did matter due to canceled flights.
After several months of planning and convincing, in July 2020 Luis and Kaysel decided to come up with a business. After brainstorming for several names, they came up with “THE GALLEY” — the area of the aircraft where food is prepared, also a spot where cabin crew members eat, share meals, stories, and breath during a busy inflight service.
A 2-man team for all those dishes
“For the Baked Sushi Series, the price ranges from Php 300-450. we have several variants to choose from: we have our Premium Kani-Mango with Shrimp as our must-try, Baked Kimbap, Baked Kani, Baked Tuna, and lastly we have Kani-Mango Sushi and Spicy Tuna Sushi as our best-seller. Each order of our baked sushi is good for 2-3 persons and comes with 2 free nori packs. For our Food Platter, the price starts at Php 320.00. We have Garlic-Buttered Shrimp with Corn as our must-try dish, Beef Salpicao with Marble Potatoes, and lastly our Creamy Beef Mushroom and Lemon-Garlic Chicken as our Best-Seller. Each dish is good for 3-4 pax.“
Luis Acosta and Kaysel Rodriguez, owners of The Galley
Believe it or not, both Luis and Kaysel are the only ones involved at The Galley. Aside from closely monitoring the orders, both personally prepare them to ensure that customer expectations are met. Both decide on how to do things around, whether it is for our product, marketing, and customer service.
Asked however how Luis and Kaysel get to balance their time in flying and in business, Luis said, “This is the tricky part, up to this day we don’t know how we’ve done it. Whenever we were asked how we do it, our usual answer is a smile while saying: ‘luckily, we did manage to do it.”
Kaysel also shared, “We think it’s proof that if you want something to work, you’ll make it work. Whoever is available will handle the orders, no but, no ifs. It’s a matter of initiative for both of us. Help whenever we can. Do what we can do. Be resourceful. I guess naturally that’s how the crew are.”
How being a cabin crew has helped in their business
You indeed develop a lot of skills when you are a cabin crew. You get to apply these lessons in different facets of life, including business. As cabin crew for several years from different airlines, both Luis and Kaysel did apply what they learned from their jobs. Multi-tasking was one important skill both learned from flying and now, they can apply this new skill to their business.
In flying, it is also necessary to create detailed documentation, sales reports, incidents, and flight reports. Hence, documenting their business sales, customer feedback, and creating marketing plans have become something familiar. Indeed, both Luis and Kaysel have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to run The Galley effectively, thanks to their job as cabin crew members.
To this day, The Galley Manila continues to serve delicious Baked Sushi and food platters. While Luis and Kaysel are planning to hopefully put up a physical store in the future, they continue to just focus first on always improving their products.
“Hang on. Eventually the skies will be bright again. We’ll be enjoying the things we once enjoyed before without the fear and worries. If your opting to start again, don’t be afraid to start again. Whether it is a new job, a new business or a new career path. Don’t be afraid to fail, don’t stop. it’s all part of the learning process. Let go and let God. The rest will follow.”
Luis Acosta, flight steward and owner of The Galley Manila
For orders, you may visit The Galley Manila official Facebook page here.
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