Pro-tips from student entrepreneurs for student entrepreneurs!
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS:
The Galley started out in 2012 as just one of several hundred businesses competing for a yearlong spot in Ateneo’s JSEC (John Gokongwei School of Management Student Enterprise Center), a cafeteria with food stalls that are owned and run entirely by students. They prevailed and won a yearlong contract to cater to the students and faculty of the school.
THE PROBLEM:
Mickey and her partners realized that…
1.) Most food selections [at JSEC] were too oily and unhealthy.
2.) There were never enough tables or seats to go around.
THE IDEA:
To combine healthy, delicious ingredients with convenience in the form of wholesome sandwiches—perfect for stressed out students on the go.
WHAT’S WORKED:
✓ A commitment to customer service.
✓ Guerrilla marketing via social media. Mickey shares, “We informed our customers via FB and Twitter that we would no longer be serving our bestsellers … to promote a new menu item and it paid off well.”
✓ Reward loyal customers. During a Christmas giveaway, students would cut classes just to line up at their stall and enjoy The Galley’s sandwiches.
✓ Using brand ambassadors from different schools has also proven very effective.
MICKEY’S TIP: “[Selling sandwiches] isn’t a totally unique concept but … we pioneered the idea in [Ateneo]. The next year after we opened, there were at least 5 new sandwich stalls. What’s unique however is the entire Galley experience, as we take customer service very seriously.”
HOW TO GROW?
✓ Have confidence in your idea. The Galley pitched their business idea to angel investors and faced the challenge of growth head on.
✓ Stick to your target market. The Galley appeals to people who are on the go and looking for healthy food. As a result, their various branches are all located at schools, with the exception of one at St. Luke’s Medical Center, a hospital.
MICKEY’S TIP: “Raising capital should be the least of one’s worries … — if you have a winning idea, do what it takes to prove it. Back it up with numbers and be transparent with all data.”
FAVORITES:
✓ Lifesaver/Chicken Lifesaver – a Panini sandwich made with tomato, pesto and mozzarella. Add chicken for some additional protein.
✓ Bon-ion Voyage – a French onion grilled cheese sandwich made with caramelized onions and Emmental cheese.
MICKEY’S TIP: [The Lifesaver is] made with homemade sauces and spreads using ingredients of exceptional quality only.
We’re expecting big things from Mickey and her team, so look out for them in the future. Are you one of The Galley’s loyal customers? Tag us on Instagram with your favorite sandwiches. Anchors aweigh!
Branches: ADMU (2nd floor Gonzaga), UA&P (Cafeteria), SLMC (1st Floor Annex III), and UP Diliman (near Main Library)
Visit their Facebook page
Follow them on Instagram
E-mail: thegalley.healthbites@gmail.com
