MASIH ADA, KEBAB HARGA 4K DI UNNES??! Ngobrol Bareng Pemilik 'Mbak Nduk Jajanan' Yuk!

Summary

In this insightful interview, Mr. Ari Setiawan, owner of *Mbak Nuk Jajanan*, shares the journey of his snack business, which started in 2019 during the pandemic. Despite the challenges, he persevered and grew the business through social media exposure, offering affordable snacks like kebabs and lumpia. He discusses his motivation for entrepreneurship, pricing strategy, and future expansion plans, including a potential new location. Mr. Ari emphasizes adaptability, learning from failure, and the importance of building customer relationships, offering valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interview is about a food stall, 'Mbak Nuk Jajanan,' run by Ari Setiawan since 2019, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 😀 Ari's motivation for starting the business was to prepare for his future and to eventually retire from corporate employment by building a sustainable income source.
• 😀 The initial setup for the food stall was modest, with a small stand selling fried snacks. Over time, it expanded to cater to a wider audience, including students and young adults.
• 😀 The business gained traction in 2021 after being featured on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, contributing to its growth and increased popularity.
• 😀 Ari mentions that the concept of the stall shifted over time from being a simple snack vendor to a place where customers can socialize and study in a comfortable space.
• 😀 Popular menu items have shifted over time, with kebabs initially being the bestseller, followed by spring rolls (lumpia) taking over as the new favorite.
• 😀 The price range for products is affordable, with the aim not to maximize profits but to ensure a steady customer base and repeat visits.
• 😀 In terms of business growth, Ari shared that they expanded their staff and the stall's space to handle the increasing demand, though they have also faced staffing challenges.
• 😀 During the pandemic, the biggest challenge was adhering to government regulations, but the stall managed to survive by keeping costs low and adapting to changing circumstances.
• 😀 Ari's future plans include expanding the business to another location, but he is cautious about growth, preferring to stabilize the current operation before expanding further.
• 😀 Ari advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on their intentions, ask for support from family, start small, learn from mistakes, and always be open to improving and adapting.

Q & A

What motivated Ari Setiawan to start his business during the pandemic?

Ari Setiawan was motivated to start his business, particularly the Mbak Nok Jajanan, as a way to prepare for life after working for someone else. He wanted to be financially independent and build a foundation to replace his future income, ultimately aiming for early retirement.

When was Mbak Nok Jajanan established, and what was its initial offering?

Mbak Nok Jajanan was established in 2019, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, it started with a small offering of fried snacks and a basic menu, with just a 1-meter long table.

How did the business grow after its initial setup?

The business saw growth primarily due to word-of-mouth and social media exposure. They gained attention from students, and their products were featured on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, which helped them expand. By 2021, their sales had increased significantly, and they added more tables and space for customers.

What is the concept behind Mbak Nok Jajanan, and how does it differ from other businesses?

The concept behind Mbak Nok Jajanan is to encourage face-to-face interaction rather than relying on gadgets. This was because the owner wanted customers to engage in conversations rather than spending time on their phones. The focus is on providing a space where people can socialize while enjoying affordable snacks.

What are the most popular products at Mbak Nok Jajanan, and how have they evolved over time?

Initially, their most popular item was kebabs, priced at IDR 3,000. However, due to rising costs, the price increased to IDR 4,000. Recently, lumpia (spring rolls) became more popular, taking over the kebab's role as their signature item.

How does the pricing strategy work at Mbak Nok Jajanan?

Mbak Nok Jajanan keeps their pricing affordable, focusing on a small profit margin. They offer products at different price points (IDR 4,000 and IDR 7,000) to balance costs. The lower-priced items help subsidize the higher-priced ones, ensuring that customers get affordable options while maintaining profitability.

What challenges did Ari Setiawan face while running the business during the pandemic?

The main challenge was adhering to government regulations like the PPKM (Community Activity Restriction Enforcement) during the pandemic. Despite this, Ari persevered by keeping his business running with minimal adjustments, like starting with a small menu and gradually expanding when conditions allowed.

How did the flow of customers affect the staffing at Mbak Nok Jajanan?

Initially, Ari and his partner worked alone while running the business, but as the business grew, they hired additional staff. However, some employees left after graduation, and the business reverted to a smaller team. Recently, they have hired new staff to help manage the increased customer flow, especially during peak hours.

Is there any plan to expand Mbak Nok Jajanan, and if so, what are the challenges involved?

There are plans to expand, including a potential move to Banaran. However, Ari is cautious about expanding too quickly because the current location isn't yet running on 'autopilot.' He aims to stabilize the business before making further moves and is also considering adjustments to the space to improve customer experience.

Why has Ari decided not to adopt an online sales model for Mbak Nok Jajanan?

Ari has decided against using an online platform like Grab or Shopee for sales because of the high commission fees (30-50%) and the potential financial loss. While he does allow orders via WhatsApp for delivery, he prioritizes customers who visit in person, believing that face-to-face interaction is key to the business's success.