An unknown author once wrote: “A nurse is one who opens the eyes of a newborn and gently closes the eyes of a dying man. It is indeed a high blessing to be first and last to witness the beginning and end of life.”
Such is the intricate nature of being a nurse. Yet Kristoffer “Toffer” U. Tan sets himself apart from the conventional nursing profession by embarking on a distinct path—dedicating his life to alleviating hunger through the culinary arts. This passion led him to establish Big Fat Tummy Steak and Seafood Restaurant in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
While the restaurant’s name might seem unconventional in a time when obesity is a prevalent concern, Tan explained his reasoning: “During our discussions about the restaurant’s name, we considered many alternatives, but the combination of the words ‘big,’ ‘fat,’ and ‘tummy’ consistently stood out to me.”
The name encapsulates the experience the restaurant aims to deliver. “Our goal is for customers to leave feeling thoroughly satisfied with the meals they’ve enjoyed here,” he added.
For Tan, opening the restaurant marked the realisation of a lifelong dream. “I joined the restaurant industry because it has always been my dream, ever since high school,” he shared.
Growing up in Davao, his family managed a small karinderia—a modest eatery offering affordable, locally-inspired dishes. He fondly recalled summers spent waking early to assist at the eatery located at Ecoland Bus Terminal.
Tan enjoyed participating in kitchen activities, saying, “I loved tasks such as washing dishes, serving food, preparing ingredients, and even helping as a cashier.”
Despite these formative experiences, he initially chose a different career path and pursued nursing. “I started my nursing career in 2009,” he recounted, though he left his hospital role in 2014.
Finding stable work proved difficult due to the oversupply of nurses since 2008. “I transitioned between hospitals, as securing employment was challenging,” he revealed.
When Tan resigned from nursing, he sought opportunities abroad but faced setbacks. “If I couldn’t land a nursing job overseas, my last option was to start a business,” he shared.
Unable to travel internationally, Tan took over the family construction business and launched a calamansi processing enterprise, exporting pure calamansi extract to Korea.
Between 2015 and 2020, he successfully operated the calamansi business while managing a franchise in three major Davao City malls. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 disrupted his ventures.
“I had no choice but to close the calamansi business because it depended heavily on exports,” he said.
Determined to adapt, Tan entered the food industry to provide jobs and support for his staff, founding Big Fat Tummy—a food delivery and catering service launched in Davao City at the height of the pandemic.
The venture thrived, motivating him to expand to Tagum City, where he opened a restaurant two hours away from Davao.
“I had limited knowledge of restaurant management since I didn’t study business,” Tan confessed. “But my experience in running a calamansi business and food franchise prepared me to tackle challenges.”
Over time, Tan gained significant expertise. During the initial planning stages, he and his mother enlisted the help of restaurant consultant Armand Mortejo, founder of ARM Skills Management and Consultancy Services.
“Mortejo’s expertise proved invaluable in planning and constructing the building, recruiting and training staff, and establishing supplier relationships,” he said.
Locating the restaurant in Tagum City was a strategic decision. “Tagum is a growing city, and the cost of leasing land is much lower than in Davao,” he explained.
While building the restaurant, Tan faced challenges, such as changes during construction and difficulties in hiring skilled chefs and kitchen staff.
Big Fat Tummy specialises in steaks and seafood, which Tan considers his comfort foods. “I personally curated most of the menu based on my favourite dishes,” he noted.
With help from his parents, chefs, and consultants, Tan finalised the menu, encouraging chefs to contribute their own creations to showcase their culinary talents.
The restaurant’s unique ambience reflects Tan’s passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles. His collection, including his prized Harley Fatboy, is displayed prominently in the establishment.
Every year, Tan participates in car and bike shows, exhibiting his Harley motorcycles. “This is my passion,” he said proudly.
Big Fat Tummy is more than just a restaurant—it also functions as a coffee shop and bar, offering a wide array of beverages.
The addition of a music lounge further enhances its appeal. “As a musician, I play piano and sing, performing with my band every Sunday during our buffet,” he shared.
Since its grand opening on January 18, 2023, Big Fat Tummy has become a landmark in Tagum City due to its prime location near Robinson’s Place Tagum along the Daang Maharlika Visayan Village Highway.
Though unmarried, Tan envisions marriage in the future and expressed gratitude for his supportive family. “They offer financial, emotional, and spiritual support,” he said. “I deeply appreciate them for standing by me through the ups and downs of this journey.”
