Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Simon Davidson joined Cville Right Now Live to discuss the exciting opening of Little Manila, a new Filipino restaurant located at 814 Cherry Avenue in Charlottesville. This family-owned business has deep roots in the area, as Davidson explained. The extended Filipino family has lived on Manila Street in the city for over two decades. “More than 20 years ago they actually petitioned the city to change the name of their street to Manila St., and the city did that,” Davidson shared, highlighting the close-knit community. 

Little Manila first started as a humble stand at the Charlottesville City Market over 12 years ago, offering Filipino snacks like Lumpia, a thin, crispy spring roll, and pork or beef skewers with sweet sauces. The stand grew in popularity, eventually leading to a food truck and now, their first brick-and-mortar restaurant. “It’s such a cool story… you work hard, do well as a food truck, and all of a sudden you have a restaurant,” Davidson said, summarizing the journey. 

Little Manila takes over the space previously occupied by Arepas on Wheels, another food truck-to-restaurant success story, continuing the trend of food trucks transitioning to full-service restaurants in Charlottesville. It exemplifies how local businesses can start small and gradually grow to become successful and integral parts of the community. 

The restaurant’s opening coincides with Filipino American History Month, making it a timely celebration of Filipino culture. 

Listen to the full story here: