Starting from the bottom is never easy, but it often builds the kind of character that lasts a lifetime. That’s the kind of grit that defines 40-year-old Filipino entrepreneur Jairus Pelagio Esquevel, who now runs three thriving food branches in Qatar under his brand Broaster Food.
Jairus began his overseas journey in 2007 when he left the Philippines to work in Saudi Arabia. “I started as a buss boy and sometimes a dishwasher,” he recalled to TGFM. That first opportunity eventually led him to a food server position at Fuddruckers, where his persistence started to pay off. Within two years, he was promoted to trainer and then to international trainer, opening restaurants across the GCC—including the UAE, Lebanon, and Egypt.
After five years, Jairus decided to return home to start a junk shop business, but the venture didn’t pan out. “It didn’t go well,” he admitted. “So I decided to come back again in Saudi Arabia.” He later moved to Qatar in 2017, exploring various industries like restaurant consultancy, medical supplies, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
Then came a turning point: “I got a chance to create the Broaster recipe, and in March 2021, we opened our first Broaster during the COVID time.” With just him in the kitchen, his wife as cashier, and one employee for support, the venture began during one of the most uncertain periods for any business.
Despite Qatar announcing a major lockdown the following month, Broaster thrived. “In the first 14 days, we always sold out our products,” he said.
Juggling business and heartbreak
April 2021 brought not just business momentum, but personal devastation. “Our son was diagnosed with leukemia,” Jairus shared. With a newborn and a four-year-old also in their care, Jairus and his wife had no choice but to divide responsibilities. “Me in the restaurant with my two kids, and my wife with our son doing chemo in the hospital.”
The mental and physical toll was immense. “I still remember saying every night to myself that I will not open Broaster again the next day because of being physically and mentally tired,” he revealed. But he pushed through each day, driven by something deeper than profit—his family.
Now, four years later, Broaster has grown to three branches in Qatar, with a franchise model in the works. “We started with three employees. Now, we have 30,” Jairus said with pride.
Finding purpose in passion
Jairus has worked in various roles in food and beverage, including a stint at Jollibee in the Philippines. But what he values most now is being able to give back through his business. “The best experience is I create opportunity to many employees,” he said.
Beyond that, Broaster has become more than just a restaurant. Under the initiatives Broaster Cares and Broaster Sports, Jairus is helping both the community and local talent. Broaster Cares runs a program called Share A Meal to support those in need, while Broaster Sports nurtures individuals with athletic potential.
“I wasn’t thinking about the future or chasing big dreams yet,” he said of the business’s early days. “I was just focused on surviving each day. But now everything has changed. Expanding doesn’t just mean growth—it means creating more jobs and opportunities.”
Eyes on the global horizon
For Jairus, working abroad has offered safety, a healthier environment, and access to good healthcare—factors that helped him through his son’s medical journey. His long-term goal is ambitious yet grounded: “The future plan is to establish more Broaster branches all over the world with the help of franchising.”
His message to fellow overseas Filipinos is clear and heartfelt: “Don’t stop. Be consistent. Believe in what you can do. And of course, pray and always ask for guidance from above.”
