Filipino Dishwasher Turns into Restaurant Owner in the US
GREGORIO “TITO GREG” ROSAS – A Filipino immigrant has become a well-respected restaurant owner in Seattle, earning admiration for his inspiring journey from dishwasher to successful entrepreneur. His story highlights resilience, gratitude, and a deep commitment to giving back to others.
Rosas, who was orphaned at a young age, moved to the United States in 1979 with the help of a Jewish warehouse owner he met in the Philippines. To repay this kindness, Rosas worked as a dishwasher at a local restaurant in Seattle called “The Turf,” owned by the same warehouse owner who had supported him.
After decades of dedication, in 2021, the Jewish owner entrusted the ownership of The Turf to Rosas. Around 2008, facing a decline in customers due to economic hardships in the city, Rosas decided to rebrand the restaurant as “Ludi’s,” a tribute to “Aling Ludi,” a close friend of his mother who had cared for him when he was orphaned. Aling Ludi had also taught Rosas how to cook, sharing her secret recipes that would later become a part of the restaurant’s success.
During the pandemic, when many businesses were struggling, Rosas was offered the chance to buy an Indian restaurant owned by a friend who was impacted by COVID-19. He accepted the offer, opening a new branch of Ludi’s at 120 Stewart Street in Seattle. After the pandemic, Ludi’s gained support from both the Filipino community and local patrons, thanks to its popular silog meals, including dishes like Oxtail Silog and Kare-Kare.
Beyond his culinary success, Tito Greg is also known for his generosity and compassion towards others. He once spent $10,000 to help an orphaned waiter in Manila find his father, showcasing his dedication to using his success to uplift others. For Rosas, his journey is about more than just financial achievement; it’s about making a meaningful impact on the lives of those around him.
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