Student becomes an inspiring local food truck owner
With a head for business, heart for people and passion for results, the up-and-coming food truck, Loli’s Streatery, offers Tex-Mex cuisine with a creative twist.
Sarah Flores, a Corpus Christi native who is currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK), stands as the mastermind behind the family business.
Loli’s Streatery was established in February 2021 and began serving customers in the summer of 2021 in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas.
The idea sparked the mind of 25-year-old Flores after an undeniable love for cooking was discovered in earlier years.
Behind following her heart, Flores decided to switch fields of study from mechanical engineering to business. Now, she’s able to take lessons learned in the classroom and apply those skills in her day-to-day life as a food truck owner.
“The story of how our food truck came to life is not perfect. The idea behind the operation started after my passion for cooking sort of took off. My dad weighed in his thoughts, my mom had some advice to give, and my sister was excited to help in any way she could,” Flores said. “To run a food truck, much less a business, takes a lot of hard work. We are extremely grateful for the support and love the community gives us. That is truly what keeps our business going.”
Between juggling classes full time and making strategic business decisions, Flores said she would not want to live this life any differently.
“We have so many loyal customers who constantly ask for our food truck to set up at different events downtown or even in new counties and cities. Receiving feedback is our number one source of motivation, we owe everything to our customers,” she said.
Madi Lara and William Whitworth, students at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMUCC), said they enjoy the creative and delicious food served at Loli’s Streatery.
“The first time I discovered the food truck was at an event downtown in Corpus and I was completely obsessed with the loaded corn bowl,” Lara said. “My boyfriend and I really enjoy keeping up with their Instagram to find out where they are located daily. The employees are so sweet, and the food seems to get better every time we go.”
Whitworth feels the same about Loli’s customer service and divine foods.
“Loli’s is a local food truck that I rave about daily to my friends and family. After discovering the owner was a full-time student studying business, I was completely `amazed and really impressed. If you have not tried Loli’s Streatery, you should definitely try all of the food that you can,” Whitworth said.
A top favorite is the loaded corn bowl drenched in fresca with an added choice of protein. The process behind creating each dish takes several hours and sometimes days. However, Loli’s Streatery always guarantees to deliver their best efforts to create the most delicious foods.
Flores said without the support and continued motivation from her family, the food truck would not thrive on a day-to-day basis.
“To anyone who is trying to create their own business, always believe in yourself. The work is worth it. No matter how many times you tell yourself that you are prepared, things will always happen where you may question your abilities. Never stop wanting more for yourself. Anything is possible in this life if you truly want to put in the work,” Flores said. “Without my family, I would not be who I am today. Everything I am I owe to them and everything they do I am extremely grateful. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy our food, you will not regret it.”