After losing her restaurant job during the pandemic, Lily built a business around the Salvadoran dishes she loves to cook—with help from her son.

When I met Lily, much of our conversation was made possible by her 16-year-old son, who patiently translated between us while helping at the stand. Around my age, he was friendly, relaxed, and eager to help tell his family's story.

Before becoming a street vendor, Lily worked at a Salvadoran restaurant. Like many food service workers, she lost her job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than leaving the industry, she decided to build something of her own.

Today, Lily operates her Salvadoran food stand near her home, serving traditional dishes like caldo de res and handmade pupusas. She prepares the food because she genuinely enjoys cooking and wants to share the flavors of her home country with the community.

Running the business is demanding. Every week begins with buying ingredients, and every night ends with cleaning and packing everything away. While weekends usually bring the largest crowds, slower weekdays remind her that every customer matters.

Throughout it all, Lily isn't working alone. Her son is there to lend a hand, whether that's helping customers, translating conversations, or supporting the business behind the scenes. Watching the two work together made it clear that this stand is more than a place to eat—it's a family effort built on resilience, tradition, and hard work.

Quick Facts

Name: Lily

Business: Comida Salvadoreña

Role: Owner

Origin: El Salvador

Specialties: Pupusas & Caldo de Res

Background: Former Salvadoran Restaurant Worker

Started After: Losing Her Job During the Pandemic

Biggest Challenge: Cleaning Up After Each Day

Busiest Time: Weekends

By Austin Iluore

A Family Recipe, A Family Effort