Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Ann Torres-Ramirez.
Hi Melissa Ann, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love for food started when I was 7 years old. I started Catering at 20 years old. I worked on a food truck 13 years and in the process bought my own Catering truck and have built my business on references and social media. In 2021 the year of the Texas freeze I decided to focus completely on my Catering business and other business ventures.
3 years ago I was offered a comercial kitchen in an Auction building and in May of 2024 I had to relocate and found a location in South Dallas across the street of The State Fair Of Texas, that is howLola’s Kitchen came about. I opened on July 10th of 2024. I named my restaurant after my great Grandma Dolores Sanchez. She was the first person who showed me how to make tortillas and who lit up any room she stepped into. My grandma Lola was the most kind hearted woman and nomatter where she was it always felt like home. She is the heart of Lola’s Kitchen
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been easy building my businesses. Being a Latina women restaurant owner has definitely had it’s challenges. It’s been lots of late nights early morning 28 to 54 hour work days and lots of time away from my family. Nothing has been given to me. I’ve had to work very hard and been told “No that I couldn’t do it” several times, but it just made me work harder.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Im the owner of Lola’s Kitchen in Dallas, Dulce Vida chile chamoy candies, Melissa’s Tax preparation and notary. I also have a business named Melissa’s Catering that includes event coordinating,full decor, linens, homemade desserts exclusive Charcuterie tables and full service Catering. I’m very proud that I’m an honest business women. I do not take advantage of any of my clients and I’m proud that everything I have has been earned with my hard work. What sets me apart from others is that I have my own ideas and Im not trying to be like anyone else. I’m just trying to give everyone who taste my food a little taste of home.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans in the future are to open a brick and mortar in uptown Dallas Tx. I’m looking forward to showing my kids and grandsons what my passion is and hope to pass it on to them. I would love to give back more. Help battered women and children. I feed the homeless and make blessing bags for the needy. Our tips are used to help provide food for those in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lolaskitchen2321dallas.com/
- Instagram: Lolaskitchen_dallas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BnLsuxxo7/
Image Credits
Omar Gonzalez for all food photos
