From Sidewalk Vendor to Storefront:Grand Opening of “Antojitos Mexicanos El Girasol”

For years, Francisco Palacios made his living selling tamales on the streets of Los Angeles. Every morning before sunrise, he prepared masa, fillings, and husks by hand — determined to support his family through hard work and tradition. Like many street vendors, he faced constant challenges: limited resources, inconsistent sales, and the daily uncertainty of operating without a formal setup. In 2023, Francisco attended one of ICON CDC’s sidewalk vending workshops, where he learned about how to legalize his small street business. With guidance from the ICON team, Francisco wanted to purchase a Health Department approved Tamale cart and applied to the SEED Grant Program — a step that would completely transform his business. Receiving the grant marked a turning point - he was able to purchase the cart and finally legalize his business. For the first time, Francisco could sell his tamales legally and safely, equipped with a cart that met health department standards.

His sales grew, his customers followed him faithfully, and his dream started to feel within reach. Now, just a couple years later, Francisco has taken his business to the next level — opening his very own restaurant in Panorama City inside LA Chef’s Kitchens. The same recipes that once filled the streets with the aroma of freshly steamed tamales now fill his new commercial kitchen, where he can produce tamales in larger quantities to meet growing demand. Having access to a licensed kitchen has also allowed Francisco to expand his menu to include more traditional Mexican dishes, bringing in new customers and creating additional income streams. You can now enjoy his food not only in person, but also by ordering through delivery apps such as UberEats.

Now Francisco hopes to expand his business by producing more tamales to supply his cart and hopes to be able to purchase more tamales carts and create jobs. Francisco’s story is a testament to perseverance, community support, and the power of opportunity. From sidewalk vendor to small business owner, he continues to inspire others — proving that with the right tools and determination, dreams can grow far beyond the curbside.