Kenneth Cacacho started his bakery Sweet Route when he was just 15, selling baked goods to his family and friends. The business took a pause when he moved to San Francisco to pursue a degree in entrepreneurship at the University of San Francisco. The aspiring entrepreneur has since then reignited his business after moving back home with his family due to COVID-19.

Cacacho expressed that Sweet Route has been thriving since reopening. They have received lots of orders during their first week of business. While business has been good for Cacacho, he’s had to balance his business with work, school, and his social life. “Everyone wanted [the orders] on a specific day, so it was all crammed together,” said Cacacho. “It’s been a lot of organization and a lot of time management.” Ultimately, Cacacho learned that he had to space out orders to give himself some time to breathe and focus on other aspects of his life.

Cacacho’s interest in cooking came from an early age when he would watch his aunt in the kitchen. “I hopped in the kitchen with her when I was five,” said Cacacho. “I started to read the recipes and pull the stool closer to the table to stir the bowl.”

Much of the owner’s love for cooking came from his family and Filipino background. Since reopening, Cacacho has created a Filipino menu consisting of staple cultural dishes such as lumpia and pancit. “In my house like other Filipino households, we love to eat,” said Cacacho.