Photos by Dario Juanillo | Alberta Filipino Journal
This is the only corner I know of that is situated in the center. Yes, Potato Corner has already been famous in other countries before its introduction to Albertans, especially to the Edmontonians. Nelson Rodriguez, the owner, has availed of a good spot inside the also famous West Edmonton Mall for its first location. That only means Potato Corner is not physically sitting in the corner because of its strategic location.
Rodriguez said that he is planning to have another 16 branches open soon within the province of Alberta. This means that a lot of job opportunities will be opened for Albertans. There are a lot of mouths to feed with this very delicious, affordable, and Filipino-produced food.
Rodriguez mentioned that they were about to break Singapore’s record and other Asian branches in terms of sales during the first day of soft-opening; yet, it didn’t happen because the potato supplier, Sysco, ran out of potatoes. “We were poised to beat Singapore’s grand opening sales record on our first day of opening, but at exactly 6:30 PM, we ran out of potatoes. The following day, Sysco had to scramble to get our supply of fries as they ran out here in Edmonton,” Nelson added.
“On our second day of the soft opening, we eventually beat Singapore’s grand opening sales record. And during our grand opening, we beat our own sales record by double,” he said.
Can you Imagine this, if Sysco was faced with a shortage of potato supplies with just the WEM Branch open, will it be able to support the remaining 16 branches that will soon be in business? Does this mean that Alberta farmers have to plant more potatoes too? What about planting potatoes in our backyards or vacant lots in order to sustain Potato Corner in the province?
The Rodriguez family was also crowned with felicity when Elyanna Peralta Jose, a child from Fort Mac Murray said, “I love Potato Corner so much as it’s like my vitamins!”
They would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Filipino-Canadian Community for patronizing their businesses!
Potato Corner owner in Edmonton meets prominent leaders in the Philippines: Invading the World with Potato.
Jose T. Pardo is the Chairman of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. and the Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines.
Bienvenido E. Laguesma is the Chairman of Social Security Commission/Social Security System.
Richard Juico Gordon, known as Dick Gordon, is a Filipino politician and broadcaster who currently serves as a Senator in the Philippines and chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.
Nelson Rodriguez directly heard heartwarming words while meeting up with some of the prominent leaders in the Philippines. He sent text messages to the AFJ Editor: “Pare, they are very happy that I’m bringing to Canada, brands from the Philippines! They know it’s not easy but also amazed of the success of the brands I already brought and the number of Filipinos that my company was able to help. Especially Potato Corner, they said I was able to elevate it, dito daw sa Pilipinas eh sa kariton lang sa manga. While in Canada it’s in a really nice place. Nakakataba ng puso pare. My way of giving back to our motherland…and showing I’m proud of what we have to offer to the world!”
A day before grand opening, Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron visited Potato Corner in West Edmonton Mall. There was a small ribbon cutting ceremony and a lunch with the Potato Corner PH team and Potato Corner Alberta team. They discussed the 15 stores which they are planning to open over the course of two years. They saw this as a great employment opportunity for Albertans, especially for our fellow kababayans here, to become part of the Potato Corner family. It will also open doors for Filipinos who want to work in Canada in the future. As the CEO of KC EN JP Inc. quoted, “I want to help my fellow kababayans by opening jobs for them. As you notice, some of our suppliers and partners from the preparation up to the grand opening were Filipinos. I believe I had a chance to show to everyone, how good and talented Filipinos are.”
VIPs:
Dean Aguillion-Operation Director of Edo Japan, Faymas Production, Ms Ranz Divinagracia of Maligaya Travel, Dylene Contigno, Hazel Sazon, Kathryna Manalo and Irene Amado of Potato corner Phils, Rabhiveer from Coca Cola Canada, Mc Cain Canada, Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron, Rudy Buenaventura, Elyannah Peralta Jose, Rolan Latorre
