Help Us Open Adobo Boy

We are Jacqueline and Ace Marasagan. Our dream of creating Adobo Boy is deeply rooted in our journey and our love for Filipino culture. Adobo Boy isn’t just the name of our restaurant—it’s also the cherished nickname of our son, Redd. We first met in 2005 at a Filipino restaurant in Detroit, where our shared passion for authentic cuisine and rich cultural traditions sparked a deep connection and inspired a vision for a future built together.

We longed for a day when we wouldn’t simply work at other companies or see each other only at the end of long, tiring days. Instead, we envisioned a place to grow together, share our heritage, and build something meaningful as a family.

For the past year and three months, we have operated inside another restaurant, learning invaluable lessons. Now, we are working hard to secure a new lease on the northeast side of Grand Rapids—a place we can finally call our own. Our current sublease is ending soon (not this instant), but we won’t be able to stay there due to higher rent and other contributing factors.

We have started loan applications to help bridge our funding gap. We will also sell select personal items and exclusive merchandise and use our savings to support this project.

We aim to create more than just a dining destination—a vibrant community hub where traditions are celebrated, stories are shared, and lasting memories are made. We want Adobo Boy to be a legacy for our family, a home that our son Redd can one day inherit if he so chooses, and a testament to the power of unity and cultural pride.

We know the world is full of uncertainties and challenges, so please don’t feel obligated or bad about not contributing financially.

Your positive thoughts and support mean everything to us.

Salamat po!

— Jacqueline, Ace, and Redd (Adobo Boy) Marasagan