When Ed Cawit realized that his family’s health history put his life at risk, he decided to take action and truly live his life. He understood that a long-term, stressful corporate life would not benefit him. Driven by his advocacy for a healthy lifestyle, he aimed not only to help himself but also to support others seeking a healthier way of living.
“Once you know how you will die, you start living your life,” he says.
Cawit was an Industrial Engineer who worked for a large corporation. As a technical expert responsible for troubleshooting company operations, the demands of his job created significant stress, which affected his well-being. Although he liked his job and its perks, his brother's incident prompted him to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
In 2019, his brother was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 21. While he acknowledges that his brother's lifestyle contributed to the diagnosis, he recognizes that genetics played a significant role. His mother is also a colon cancer survivor. In 2020, his brother passed away from cancer. This reality led him to reflect deeply on his own life, knowing that he, too, is at high risk for cancer.
Despite having a successful career in the corporate world for 10 years, he decided to resign. Cawit shared that while he loved his job, it was not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. As an Industrial Engineer, he chose to start a business focused on healthy services. He dedicated three years to assessing its viability.
"I opened during the pandemic. At that time, people became more conscious about what they eat. I started the business from home. Although it was challenging, I remained hopeful. We made it work," he says.
Rəstôr, a phonetic spelling of the word “restore,” was born from his desire to advance his health advocacy. He conducted environmental scanning, market research, and personal reflection, given their focus on the healthy food business. During the height of the pandemic, he pondered, "Where do we position ourselves in this situation?"
"We emerged as a brand dedicated to health and well-being. We started producing immune-boosting meals for COVID-19 patients. It was a blessing in disguise," he recalls.
Cawit admits that he is not a “marketing guy” who employs typical sales techniques or influencer marketing. However, thanks to word-of-mouth from his clients, his business has experienced steady growth, making him a prime mover in this field.
"It is hard to push for healthy food. You become the ‘villain.’ Healthy food should be inclusive. It is for everyone,” he says.
Although there were misconceptions about Rəstôr—such as it being expensive, exclusively vegan, not delicious, and intimidating—Cawit remains committed to dispelling these myths. He aims to help the public truly discover what Rəstôr has to offer.
Cawit’s food business continues to thrive post-pandemic, with no direct competitors in GenSan. Anchored in the concept of sustainability, he aims to expand his market reach and collaborate with local farmers for his raw materials.
Aside from regular customers—who follow specific diets recommended by their doctors and health-conscious clients—he also targets Gen Z. This was inspired by an article he read, which highlighted that people diagnosed with colon cancer are getting younger. Remembering his brother, who died young from the disease, he is determined not only to sell healthy food but also to educate the public about the importance of a healthy diet.
Cawit is also opposed to ultra-processed foods, which are readily available to the general public. For him, it is crucial to eat whole and locally produced foods. He believes that by doing so, you not only maintain a healthy diet but also support the local farmers who produce this food.
"It is hard to embrace sustainability. That is why many food businesses end up closing," he says.
Despite having no prior culinary experience, he committed to learning and enrolled in a culinary school. After graduating, he has continuously expanded his knowledge. Currently, he is studying culinary medicine to further his advocacy for healthy food.
"If you are always thinking about profit, you will not truly flourish. Without the deepest 'why' or deepest motivation, you won't last," he says.
With this advocacy, he collaborates with medical professionals to adopt a holistic approach to his customers' health concerns. His food business holds a "life-changing value," especially for customers with chronic diseases. When their conditions improve, they become brand ambassadors, sharing their stories and serving as living testimonies of the business's health miracles.
"Healthy cuisine is challenging. There are many expectations, and you need to satisfy your customers. That’s why we continuously improve our food and services," he says.
As a LEAN practitioner, he maximizes resource utilization and eliminates waste. With his background as an Industrial Engineer, he bases his decisions on data and factual analysis. He anchors his operations in sustainability, ensuring steady growth and longevity for the business.
"You need to think beyond your emotions—if you're emotionally devastated by what's happening, no one is going to help you. However, there's always a chance for you to succeed in your business if you embrace data," he says.
Given that GenSan faces challenges with the short lifespan of food businesses, Cawit ensures he diligently studies the market. He relies on data to make informed business decisions.
"The income of Rəstôr is a result of our hard work. We're doing things right. We help raise awareness among our customers about healthy food. In a way, we give hope when it comes to healthy eating," he says.
For Cawit, money alone does not bring fulfillment in life. To him, true fulfillment comes from influencing and impacting others. It is natural for his business to give back to the community, emphasizing its commitment to social responsibility. They successfully collaborate with various groups and individuals to implement community projects.
One of the notable projects is the “direct-to-farmer approach,” where he purchases raw materials directly from local farmers. Not only does this allow him to obtain supplies at a lower cost, but it also supports the farmers and promotes sustainability.
With the rapid development across many industries, including the food industry, Cawit ensures he stays adaptable. He continuously learns and upscales his skills to remain relevant. He maintains a laser focus, not allowing any "dramas" to seep into his life.
"I never forget my former boss's advice: 'Wherever you go, be open to unlearn, learn, and relearn,'" he says.
As he continues to learn and evolve, he not only keeps his business thriving but also uplifts those around him. By navigating the ever-changing landscape of the food industry, his story serves as an inspiring example of how dedication, empathy, and a forward-thinking mindset can lead to remarkable success. Cawit’s vision and hard work are truly making a difference—one healthy meal at a time.
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