Bringing Filipino Flavor to Jacksonville: The Story of “Rolling Lumpia”
In the vibrant city of Jacksonville, Florida, a taste of the Philippines is making waves, thanks to the indomitable duo of Cecilia Arevalo Bridges and her daughter, Sydney Cez Palad. Their food truck, aptly named “Rolling Lumpia,” is not just a business; it’s a heartfelt tribute to their roots, serving up some of the most beloved Filipino dishes.
It all started with a simple idea. Sydney, with her background in hospitality, approached her mother about launching a food venture together. And just like that, they set their sights on a food truck, having recognized an opportunity that was too good to pass up. “Filipino food talaga ‘yung ibebenta namin,” Cecilia shared, expressing their initial uncertainty about which dish would take the spotlight. “Hindi lang namin alam kung ano ‘yung pinaka-main namin na ibebenta…” (We really planned to sell Filipino food, but we weren’t sure what our main offering would be).
They quickly decided that lumpia—essentially egg rolls and a staple at Filipino celebrations—would be their flagship dish. “Yun ‘yung talagang perfect na itinda namin…,” Sydney noted, highlighting that even those outside the Filipino community crave this treat.
Cecilia and Sydney are no strangers to the culinary world. Cecilia reminisced about her family’s eatery back in the Philippines, while also sharing her journey from working in telecommunications in Japan to her life in the U.S. with her retired military husband. Through all their experiences, one thing remained constant: a spirit of generosity in their culinary journey.
Cecilia beamed with pride as she spoke about her daughters’ kindness. “Pagka minsan may bumibiling bata or matanda, sinasabi nila sa akin na, ‘Mama, huwag mo na silang i-charge.’” (Sometimes, when kids or the elderly buy from us, they tell me not to charge them). This unwavering spirit of giving back resonates deeply with each customer they serve.
As they dove deeper into their food truck venture, invitations to events started pouring in, pushing them to strategize better. “After that, naisip namin, okay, before kami na mag-confirm ng mga event, we have to ask muna…” (We thought that before confirming to serve at events, we needed to ask questions). It was a whirlwind, but they managed to balance their time while staying committed to quality.
Their initial menu consisted of five classic items: pork belly adobo, lumpia, loaded lumpia, dynamite lumpia, and pancit. But as their passion grew, so did their offerings. Sydney revealed that the loaded lumpia became a social media sensation. “Ang dami naming nakikita nagre-repost…,” (We saw so many people reposting…) showcasing how their culinary creations resonated with a broader audience.
Cecilia and Sydney continually refined their lumpia, striving for perfection. “Before, when we started, hindi gan’un talaga ‘yung lumpia namin,” said Palad, reflecting on the evolution of their recipe. Their commitment to excellence has paid off, as customers often marvel at the flawless lumpia they now serve.
Unexpectedly, their social media presence began to soar. “I think that’s one of the most inspiring…rewarding feeling for us is ‘yung na-extend namin ‘yung Rolling Lumpia sa ibang tao,” (one of the most rewarding feelings is being able to extend Rolling Lumpia to others), Sydney said, expressing how their hard work is reaching beyond their local community.
As they look ahead, both Cecilia and Sydney dream of expanding their menu and possibly opening more branches—including a venture back in the Philippines. With a blend of determination and heart, they leave a message for aspiring business owners: “Lakasan niyo ‘yung loob niyo,” (Be brave). And to keep joy at the forefront, “Kailangan happy. Kailangan happy din kayo dun sa business na gagawin niyo,” (You should be happy with the business you’re doing).
“Rolling Lumpia” is more than just food; it’s a celebration of culture, kindness, and the vibrant spirit of two resilient women making their mark in Jacksonville, one lumpia at a time.
