For several years, Loli Streatery has been a beloved presence on the streets of downtown Corpus Christi. Known for its unique Tex-Mex offerings, this food truck has earned its place among the city’s best, ranking highly in The Bend Magazine’s annual survey. A standout favorite is their flavorful asada corn bowls, which have captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike.
A Family Legacy
The story behind Loli Streatery is as rich as the flavors it offers. Co-owners and sisters Sabrina Lozano and Sarah Flores share a deep connection to their family roots through their food. Sabrina explains, “A lot of the ingredients and recipes come from our family members. Our grandmother, whose nickname was Loli, was always in the kitchen cooking and baking. She was incredible at it, and that’s why we named the truck after her.”
From the start, the sisters had a vision that extended beyond the confines of a food truck. They aspired to establish a restaurant, and now, their unwavering determination is materializing into reality. With a $17,000 commitment from the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3, the sisters are forging ahead with their dream, bringing to life Streat Corner Kitchen by Loli’s, situated at 601 N. Water Street.
Downtown Dreams
The sisters’ bond with downtown Corpus Christi runs deep. Lozano reflects, “Our lives revolve around downtown, so it was only natural that we found our home here.” This sentiment is shared by her sister, Sarah Flores, who was captivated by the area surrounding their new location. “What drew us to this spot was the upcoming hotel next door. We’ve seen the plans, and it’s going to be stunning. We wanted to be at the heart of downtown.”
Loli Streatery isn’t the only food truck leaping a brick-and-mortar establishment. Earlier this year, Marty McPies, another local favorite, opened its downtown restaurant. Owner Martin Flores believes the transition will attract even more food enthusiasts. “People who followed the food truck know it’s something special, something different from a traditional restaurant,“ he says.
Downtown’s Growing Culinary Scene
The expansion of Loli Streatery into a restaurant is part of a larger trend of growth and development in downtown Corpus Christi. Alyssa Barrera Mason, the executive director of the Downtown Management District, is thrilled with the influx of new eateries. “We’re always looking to grow the culinary options in the downtown area. It’s something that really defines a downtown—how many unique places there are to eat,“ she explains.
The recent investments in downtown have bolstered the confidence of Lozano and Flores as they embark on this new chapter. The sisters are brimming with excitement to be part of a community that includes other local favorites, like Cassidy’s Irish Pub and Bar Under the Sun, both of which they’ve collaborated with before.
Future Developments
Downtown Corpus Christi is buzzing with development. In addition to Loli’s new venture, other projects in the works include the Hotel Arya, Homewood Suites Hotel, Thirsty’s Restaurant and Bar, and Community Grocery. Barrera Mason highlights the area’s rapid growth, stating, “We have 19 projects currently in development, with 18 new businesses that opened last year and 12 so far this year.“
Loli Streatery plans to open Streat Corner Kitchen by Loli’s in the spring, promising to bring its signature Tex-Mex flavors to a wider audience in a new, permanent home.