Waskom Woman Fulfills Dream with Lupita’s Comidas Food Truck
Maria Pineda has turned her lifelong dream into reality by owning and operating her own food truck, Lupita’s Comidas, in Waskom. This venture, which began in 2019, has allowed her to share her passion for Mexican cuisine with the local community. Pineda’s journey reflects her dedication to cooking, rooted in her childhood experiences helping her mother in the kitchen.
Community Support Fuels Culinary Creativity
Since launching Lupita’s Comidas, Pineda has received an enthusiastic welcome from the Waskom community. The food truck, known for its authentic Mexican dishes, has become a popular dining option in the area. Pineda has embraced customer feedback to enhance her menu, creating new versions of her dishes based on their suggestions. For instance, one customer inspired her to add queso fresco to her street tacos, a change that has now become a permanent menu item.
The name of the food truck, Lupita’s Comidas, carries personal significance for Pineda. Suggested by a friend, the name combines a nickname derived from her middle name, Guadalupe, with the Spanish word for food, “comidas.” Pineda aimed for a name that would stand out from typical taco stands.
Pursuing Perfection and Community Connection
In her culinary pursuits, Pineda emphasizes the importance of presentation and flavor. She noted that despite the exhaustion that comes with running a food truck, positive reviews from customers invigorate her. “Seeing a good review gives me energy and makes me think it was worth the exhaustion of the day,” she said. Her cooking has consistently garnered compliments, especially from Hispanic customers who appreciate her authentic recipes.
Pineda credits a supportive family, particularly her daughter Kenya Pineda, for her success. Kenya has played a crucial role in marketing the business, designing the logo, managing social media accounts, and organizing catering events. “She helps me tremendously,” Pineda remarked, highlighting the collaborative nature of their work.
Looking to the future, Pineda hopes to expand her business by opening additional locations. She envisions passing on this entrepreneurial legacy to her children, should they choose to pursue it. “You should look at your business with love and passion and not with ambition for money,” she advised. “The money will come if you do things right.”
Pineda expresses deep gratitude for the community support she has received in Waskom. She encourages local residents to explore and support businesses like hers, stating, “I want to invite people to come give businesses in Waskom a chance like mine and the other local businesses.”
Lupita’s Comidas serves a variety of dishes including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and tostadas, along with special items like flautas and stuffed peppers. The food truck is located at 245 Cyclone St. in Waskom and operates from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customers can place pickup orders by calling (903) 472-6360. For updates, the business can be found on Facebook.
