Para la versión en español, oprima aquí. Carlos Barcenas contributed to this story.
Sabino and Maria Hernandez have seen their fair share of trials and tribulations along their entrepreneurial journey from relocation to zoning permits to putting up a new building. But the word “quit” is not in their vocabulary.
What began with Maria’s passion for preparing food and experience working in restaurants and food trucks has blossomed into a full-time labor of love for the owners of Corn Taco Mexican Food LLC, a food truck in Schuyler, Nebraska.
Maria started making tamales at home and sold them locally to friends, neighbors, and others who showed interest. With the money saved from these sales, the couple was able to buy and open their food truck in June 2014.
Initially, they set up in David City, but they found the atmosphere there to be unwelcoming and unprofitable.
“We ran into several obstacles in David City,” said Maria. “We realized that the food truck business in that area was difficult to establish. People didn't seem to like to eat at food trucks.”
They did have some customers who supported them, but they decided it would be more prudent and financially beneficial to try a new location. Since moving their business to Schuyler, the couple has noticed a huge difference.
“Our experience improved a lot,” said Maria. “At first, people started trying our food to see if they liked it and to see what we offered, and once they knew our products, we saw the difference in both acceptance and economic growth.”
That growth led to higher demand, so Sabino and Maria reached out to the Center for Rural Affairs for financial assistance to expand their business. They received their first loan in 2014. Today, they’re working on remodeling a brick-and-mortar location that they will transition to as their primary location.
“Maria and Sabino are two determined and hardworking individuals who have strived to make their business ownership dreams come true,” said Jessica Cabán, loan specialist with the Center. “Maria is skilled and passionate about cooking, preparing the delicious food Corn Taco is known for. Sabino supports the business operations, utilizing his handy skills to make the new building under construction as efficient as possible for their new commercial kitchen, dining room, and bar.”
Jessica said the Center helped the couple get financing to equip and winterize their food truck and continues to help them as new needs arise.
“Having a food truck is a challenge during the days where weather is not favorable, so they are investing in a fully renovated building to be able to sit and serve patrons,” said Jessica. “The Center also helped them work with City of Schuyler personnel to change zoning codes, allowing for the purchase of land to park their food truck.”
Maria and Sabino had been paying per day to rent a lot to park their truck. They found another option, but the land they wanted to buy was zoned as two different areas.
“We had the opportunity to buy a vacant lot,” Sabino said. “We felt safe there, but the place only had electricity connected. We added drainage and drinking water. In order to make the zoning changes, the city asked us to have asphalt with cement or gravel where the cars would be parked.”
The Center helped them get two more loans in 2016 and 2021, both used to buy real estate. The most recent loan has helped the couple make a home for their new permanent restaurant, which is set to open soon. Center staff also helped them apply for Nebraska Microenterprise Tax Credits.
In addition, Sabino and Maria have received business startup training from the Center, as well as one-on-one counseling in business financing and capital sources, business operations and management, and tax planning.
They and their two employees operate the food truck Friday through Sunday and sell tacos, burritos, and other homemade, authentic dishes. Occasionally, they drive the truck to different locations to cater events.
“At Corn Taco, we focus on Mexican food, since I am Mexican,” said Maria. “We want to deliver that authentic touch to all cultures in Nebraska. At our age, we are not very familiar with social networks, so our children help us advertise, but at first it was word-of-mouth marketing.”
Another aspect they focus on is providing excellent customer service.
“I try to make each customer feel very satisfied,” Maria said. “Obviously, making money is a goal, but I pay a lot of attention to what I present to our customers. With my experience in preparing food, I put a lot of effort into making sure the food tastes delicious and looks beautiful.”
To others considering starting their own business in the food industry, the couple suggests researching locations to make sure there is enough clientele, and having great passion and dedication is a must. Maria and Sabino also recommend finding helpful resources, like the Center, to guide entrepreneurs as they begin their journey.
“Working with the Center has been very good; the people are very kind, the speed in helping us with our loans was excellent, and they are always ready to help us with everything we need,” said Maria. “We have already recommended the Center to several people who are now working with the organization. They have told us that they have received a lot of help and resources.”
The couple says their customers often ask them if they have future plans for the business, which keeps them motivated.
“We really like that they pay a lot of attention to us in that aspect, and they definitely make us feel desired and welcome,” said Maria.
Sabino agrees, and said they are both grateful for how far they’ve come.
“Along the way we are learning, and as my wife often says, ‘Little by little we have arrived,’” Sabino said. “They have accepted us in Schuyler and we are very happy to work here. We are lucky to have worked with the Center and with everyone at the city offices who has helped us.”
Are you in need of financing to buy equipment or expand your business? Contact your regional loan specialist. Find yours at cfra.org/lending-staff.
At a glance
Corn Taco Mexican Food, LLC
Sabino and Maria Hernandez
104 W 10th St., Schuyler, NE 68661
402.367.8077 or 402.352.6177
Facebook
Hours of operation: Friday and Saturday noon to 2 a.m.; Sunday noon to 11 p.m.
New location opening soon at: 122 E. 16th St., Schuyler, NE 68661
