On weekends, Luis and his wife trade construction work for an ice cream cart, serving neighbors one scoop at a time.

Every weekend, Luis and his wife set up their Guatemalan-style ice cream cart on the corner of 8th Street and Bonnie Brae. It's not their full-time job—it's something they do to earn a little extra income while spending time in the community.

Luis works in construction during the week, leaving only Saturdays and Sundays to run the business. They have been vending for about six months, serving around 25 customers over the course of a typical weekend.

When I spoke with Luis, what stood out wasn't just the business itself, but the reason behind it. For him, vending isn't only about making extra money. It's also an opportunity to be outside, meet people, and become part of the neighborhood they serve.

Their stand may only appear on weekends, but for the families who stop by for a cold treat, it's another reminder that Los Angeles' street vendors help bring communities together in ways that go beyond the food they sell.

Quick Facts

Name: Luis

Business: Guatemalan-Style Ice Cream

Location: 8th St. & Bonnie Brae

Time Vending: 6 Months

Hours: Weekends, 3 PM–7 PM

Weekday Job: Construction

Customers: About 25 each weekend

Why He Vends: Extra income and to connect with the community

By Austin Iluore

Scooping Up Community