Ruby’s Fast Food is more than just a restaurant; it’s a taste of home, a culinary journey that began in the bustling streets of Manila and found its vibrant expression in the heart of Chicago. Rooted in a deep family tradition of cooking and a passion for sharing authentic Filipino flavors, Ruby’s story is a testament to the power of food, family, and the American dream.
From Manila Canteens to Chicago Dreams: The Origins of Ruby’s Fast Food
Ruby’s connection to the culinary world started in Manila, Philippines, where she was born and raised. Her mother was a significant influence, running several canteens across the city. These weren’t just any eateries; they were establishments that provided fresh, affordable meals to local workers, embodying the spirit of Filipino hospitality and resourcefulness. “A fresh meal for good prices,” as Ruby’s son Nickie fondly recalls, was the motto, and this dedication to quality and value was ingrained in Ruby from a young age. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Ruby began her own food venture from a small kiosk right in front of her family home in Manila. This humble space became her training ground, where she honed her skills, learned the demands of the food business, and began to cultivate her own culinary identity.
Life in Manila also brought another significant change: love. Ruby met Florante Rodica, who would become her husband and partner in life’s adventures. As Nickie humorously recounts, their parents lived in the same neighborhood, and “somewhere along the line one chased the other.” Their family grew with the arrival of their sons, Arnie and Nickie. Inspired by Florante’s siblings who had already established themselves in the United States, Ruby and Florante made the life-altering decision to move to America. In January 1991, they embarked on a journey to Westmont, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago, joining Florante’s extended family. This move, while promising new opportunities, presented its own set of challenges, especially for someone deeply connected to the flavors and warmth of Manila.
Finding a Taste of Home in Westmont and the Spark of an Idea
The transition to Westmont was a stark contrast to their life in the Philippines. The snowy January weather was just the beginning. Leaving behind the familiar comfort of family and friends was difficult. Finding meaningful work also proved to be a hurdle. Ruby, accustomed to the dynamic environment of her mother’s canteens and her own kiosk, found herself navigating various jobs, from dry cleaning to fabric stores and office work. She even explored roles as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). However, none of these positions truly resonated with her passion.
Amidst these job changes, Ruby’s culinary talent inadvertently began to shine. She would often bring homemade Filipino food to her workplaces. Her coworkers were immediately captivated by the unique and delicious flavors. Soon, requests started pouring in. People wanted to know if Ruby would prepare dishes for them personally and how much she would charge. The positive feedback and encouragement, punctuated by comments like, “Why don’t you open a restaurant?”, planted a seed in Ruby’s mind. She started home catering on weekends, testing the waters and rediscovering her passion. This period marked a turning point, hinting at the future of Ruby’s Fast Food.
Meanwhile, Nickie was adapting to American life, excelling in English classes and developing a keen interest in cooking himself. A 6th-grade Home Economics class, led by a teacher named Mrs. Love, ignited his culinary curiosity. He fondly remembers baking cakes, cookies, and brownies, and experimenting with simple dishes at home, from frying eggs to his first attempt at Pancit, a classic Filipino noodle dish. This early exposure to cooking, inspired by both his mother and his own experiences, would later become an integral part of the Ruby’s Fast Food story.
Chicago and the Realization of Ruby’s Fast Food Dream
In the summer of 1997, the family moved again, this time to Chicago. As Nickie and Arnie progressed in their education, Ruby and Florante continued to work diligently. However, Ruby’s thoughts kept returning to her love for cooking and the positive responses she received from her catering endeavors. Fate intervened during a routine tax visit near the intersection of Montrose and Ridgeway Avenue in Albany Park. Across the street from their tax business, Ruby noticed a fast food burger restaurant. On a subsequent visit, she saw that the restaurant had closed, and the space was available. For Ruby, this was a sign.
Recognizing the limited number of Filipino restaurants in Chicago and fueled by her catering success and unwavering passion, Ruby decided to seize the opportunity. After years of hard work and saving, Ruby’s Fast Food was born. It wasn’t just a business venture; it was the culmination of a lifelong journey, a tribute to her mother’s culinary legacy, and a way to share the authentic and comforting flavors of Filipino fast food with the Chicago community. Ruby’s Fast Food stands as a testament to her resilience, culinary expertise, and the enduring appeal of delicious, home-style Filipino cuisine.
