WE ARE MUNDO LATINO: The Carrito Snack and Drink Carts, a family idea that became an experience and a business
WE ARE MUNDO LATINO, and that identity is reflected in projects born from family work, creativity, and the desire to contribute something authentic to the community. This is how the story of THE CARRITO SNACK & DRINK CARTS began, an entrepreneurial venture led by Laura Hernández that has now become one of the most sought-after options for events in the region.
The project started in March of last year with a wooden cart custom-built in Mexico. At first, the idea was simple: to rent it as a decorative element for dessert tables. However, together with her husband, Emmanuel Banderas, Laura decided to go further and transform that first step into a family business with its own identity, driven from the very beginning by both of them as a shared project.
The evolution came after discovering the “Maruchan Bar” trend, popular in Mexico for turning the preparation of instant soups into a dynamic and fun experience. Inspired by this concept, Laura adapted the cart and expanded her offering. The public response was immediate, and with it came new requests. Gradually, options such as prepared corn (elotes), slushies, fresh fruit, Doritos Locos, churros, and other products were added items that now distinguish the brand and have positioned it as a complete experience for parties and events.
Growth was steady. In a short period of time, the business went from having a single cart to operating four, built as demand increased. What began as a weekend activity now also extends into weekdays, depending on the number of events. This progress, however, has not been without challenges. Laura acknowledges that balancing the business with family life is not always easy, especially as the mother of three daughters. During the summer, she receives support from her mother and from her husband, Emmanuel Banderas, who has been with her since the beginning of the project and has played a fundamental role in its development. During other seasons, the workload intensifies and requires constant organization.
Despite the demands, Laura maintains a positive vision of entrepreneurship. She does not focus on competition and shares the belief that “there’s room for everyone,” a phrase that sums up her understanding of the Latino business world: openness, collaboration, and no unnecessary rivalries. For those who want to start a project, her advice is clear and realistic. Entrepreneurship requires sacrifice, consistency, and preparation. Learning about permits, managing finances, knowing suppliers, comparing prices, creating partnerships, and working on promotion are essential steps in building a solid business.
This story is part of a broader reality. According to the Hispanic Federation, there are more than 5 million Latino-owned businesses in the United States, generating over $800 billion in annual revenue. In addition, these businesses employ more than 3.5 million people, according to data from the Julian Samora Research Institute. These figures reflect the strength of the Latino business community and the growing role of women as leaders within the local economy. Projects like THE CARRITO SNACK & DRINK CARTS contribute to that momentum in cities such as Omaha and the surrounding region.
Currently, Laura envisions the next step: opening her own brick-and-mortar location. She is in no rush. She knows that each stage must move at a pace that allows her to remain present for her family, without losing sight of long-term goals. The objective is clear, and the path continues to be built with learning, consistency, and shared vision.
In summary, this story shows that a simple idea can be transformed through dedication, learning, and vision. THE CARRITO SNACK & DRINK CARTS reflects the daily effort of entrepreneurs who bring vitality to the community. Stories like this remind us who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. WE ARE MUNDO LATINO, and these are the faces that represent us.
