UPDATE: Since the writing of this Business Spotlight, SapSap has opened a brick-and-mortar location at 2343 Mead St. The article has not been adjusted due to the nature of the story.
Original story:
SapSap, a restaurant that features Laotian BBQ, is your ticket to food heaven.
A pop-up restaurant, located at The Branch at 1501 offering Laotian cuisine is SapSap. The company name, SapSap means “Delicious, Delicious.” Owner Alex Hanesakda lives to share his family’s story through his business.
Their journey started back in Asia. After Hanesakda’s father fought alongside the US Troops in the Vietnam War, a new way of life began.
Like many Laotians, fleeing from his homeland was the start of his family’s American Dream. After coming to America, the farmlands of Burlington became home to the Hanesakdas.
“Being the only Asian family for miles, and not speaking English, we were outsiders from the start,” Hanesakda says.
Cooking up the American Dream
Buying, butchering, and preparing cows nose-to-tail is a part of their cooking style. As a child, Hanesakda’s parents invited neighbors for Laotian BBQ. That was the start of their community engagement. Now, it’s the foundation of Hanesakda’s business.
The soul behind SapSap is his mother. Making and selling her egg rolls for extra cash was inspiring to her son. As always, using high-quality ingredients is a staple to the company. In 2015, Hanesakda’s dreams became a reality. The twist on traditional Laotian food was born.
Heart, Soul, & Wholesale
SapSap is a farm-to-table kind of business. The process begins at farms in Southeastern Wisconsin. Products then make their way to local grocers. Shop at Malicki’s Piggly Wiggly in Mount Pleasant and Gooseberries Fresh Food Market in Burlington to get SapSap sausages. Bring it home for the whole family to enjoy.
Curbside Cuisine
The restaurant with limited hours is no stranger to adjustment. Shifting their serving style is a part of the change. You can order curbside via the website here. On Facebook, visit SapSap, and click “order now.” This week only, curbside cuisine gives back.
The Laotian BBQ will benefit the Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin this week. SapSap is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pick-up is located in Uptown Racine at The Branch at 1501.
A portion of the proceeds will be given back, in memory of Hanesakda’s dad. Honoring those who have served – and are serving – the country plays a role in this week’s pop-up.
More than Food
SapSap is a Racine County business with homegrown values, midwestern charm, and Asian aspects. Hanesakda and his team look forward to popping up at an event near you soon. Until then, mask up and pick up via curbside. Try something new and support a local business with a purpose.
“Journey and struggle from Southeast Asia to Southeastern Wisconsin,” says Hanesakda.
Leave us a comment in the section below. Do you love SapSap’s egg rolls? What’s your SapSap experience?
For more information about other business spotlights, check out our series here. Do you have a business in mind that is making the community a better place, nominate them to be the Racine County Eye Business Spotlight, here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.