Illo’s Party Trays: A Tale of Resilience and Celebration

Manila, Philippines –In a world transformed by the pandemic, where the simple act of gathering became a rarity, food stepped up to bridge the gap between isolation and celebration.

For Chef N Rovillos, this culinary confluence led to the birth of Illo’s Party Trays, a beacon of joy that brings delectable eats and a sense of festivity to at-home celebrations.

In a pre-pandemic landscape, Chef N Rovillos embarked on several ventures in the food industry, only to face setbacks. But amidst the trials, Illo’s Party Trays emerged as a shining beacon. Established in December 2019, this culinary haven found its humble beginnings in a makeshift kitchen in Paranaque, helmed by Chef N and his wife Anne. Soon, their creations gained the spotlight, captivating social media, and even catching the attention of artists and celebrities.

Yet, as the pandemic sent shockwaves through the industry, Illo’s Party Trays faced a formidable challenge. Rather than succumbing to the tide, Chef N shifted gears, adopting a ghost kitchen setup to navigate the new normal. With resilience and innovation at the core, the brand embraced the philosophy of “Dine at Home” and “Celebrate Life Everyday,” reinventing itself to cater to the evolving needs of its patrons.

“The rave about the impressive quality sprouted from one word to the other, and our following exponentially grew beyond our expectations. Our ghost kitchen business was our redemption. We ended our first year of operations serving 5,000 families,” Chef N reflects.

Harnessing the power of social media, Illo’s Party Trays skyrocketed to fame, garnering over 330,000 followers on digital platforms. This success recipe seamlessly intertwined a resolute spirit, a strong online presence, and, of course, exceptional cuisine. The brand tapped into the new dining paradigm, offering a fusion of gourmet delight and at-home convenience.

Chef N’s creations come alive through a menu that reads like a tale of flavors and traditions. The signature Chicken Galantine, the inviting Lasagna, and the delectable Mozzarella Meatballs Pasta are just a few of the stars that grace the gastronomic narrative. Each dish, meticulously crafted and infused with culinary magic, brings families and loved ones together, enhancing every celebration.

Chef N’s culinary journey is anchored in celebrating life, even in the face of adversity. The pandemic could not extinguish the human spirit’s inherent need for festivities. Through Illo’s Party Trays, birthdays, achievements, and small triumphs continued to be commemorated. “A crisis should not prevent people from celebrating important milestones in their lives—whether big or small,” Chef N emphasizes.

For at-home food entrepreneurs seeking to thrive, Chef N’s advice rings true: stick to your passion. His steadfast faith, humility, kindness, and gratitude have propelled Illo’s Party Trays to new heights. As the brand expands, the second flagship branch is set to rise in Greenhills, alongside additional commissaries across Luzon, and plans for Visayas and Mindanao. The vision is to solidify Illo’s Party Trays as a household name, a beacon of celebration even in challenging times.

Chef N Rovillos‘ journey through Illo’s Party Trays encapsulates the essence of resilience, the power of innovation, and the enduring beauty of celebration. With every tray of delectable goodness, he continues to spread joy and remind us that amidst any storm, life’s milestones deserve to be cherished and shared.