Meet Mike Pimentel | Caterer and Pop-up Owner – Adobo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Pimentel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think of work-life balance as being able to do what you enjoy without sacrificing your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. It takes practice to find the balance and to maintain it. I found that taking time to plan ahead and spacing out my prep work over a few days make tasks less overwhelming and stressful. Getting overworked can take a toll physically, which can lead to more problems, so it is important to value downtime and recovery outside of work.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I’ve always loved Filipino food and cooking, but I did not know where to start with my business. I decided to set up a social media page first to post dishes I’ve made and find others in that space, then look for volunteering opportunities to cook in a more commercial setting and get exposure to that industry. From there I started to gain confidence in launching my own business.

I started Adobo in June 2019 as a pop-up and catering business. I believe my company offers products that are unique but can also be attractive to a wide audience. I prepare and operate my pop-ups with the customer in mind and am always looking for ways to create a positive experience for them.

Everyone has their own comfort level with taking risks. I have found that there is always risk with starting a business, but having a backup plan and ensuring that you have enough savings to cover your personal life will help you tremendously when making decisions about your business.

I also learned to let others know about your work and to ask for help. Sharing opens up new opportunities and gives you more confidence in yourself and your business. I am always surprised at how willing others are to listen and learn more about your passion.

Through my business I hope that the community feels welcomed and connected to Filipino-American culture, but also that they think my chicken adobo tastes good!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has grown so much in recent years and there are just too many great places to check out in one visit! I would suggest taking them on a tour of the Beltline and try to cover as much of the trail as they can. It is a great way to experience great food, historic neighborhoods, and beautiful art installations throughout the city. I would also head up to Buford highway for some pho, dim sum, and tacos to show the diversity of the communities and cultures here. And of course no visit to ATL would be complete without enjoying some beers at a few Atlanta’s many great local breweries!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my wife Fei who has supported and encouraged me throughout my business. She’s with me for all my triumphs and challenges and inspires me to continue pursuing my dreams. Mwah!

Website: http://adoboatl.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adobo.atl/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adobofb

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/adobo-atlanta