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From left: Dr. Dennis Montoya, NNMC Chief of Staff and Vice President of Finance and Administration, Molly de la Cruz, Melissa de la Cruz, and Julianna Barbee, NNMC SBDC Director. Photo provided by: NNMC
Molly (left), Melissa de la Cruz and the Lazy Buffalo coffee/food truck. Photo provided by: NNMC
Written by Allyn McKenna
Northern New Mexico College
Lazy Buffalo Trading Company LLC’s mobile coffee/food truck began with a discussion in a family’s living room. Melissa Dela Cruz, 18, was taking business classes as part of her homeschooled curriculum and was very intrigued by what the opportunity offered.
“I like the idea of working for myself, being able to start something and grow it, and having something that’s all my own,” Melissa said.
With the growing popularity of food trucks redefining the dining experience, Melissa thought of a unique niche she could fill in this space. It’s a truck carrying coffee grown by his grandfather Mario and his Tovar in Huila, Colombia.
“Colombian coffee has always been my craving. It’s always been my love.”
What if he could send beans here? We can roast them, grind them and make coffee,” Dela Cruz said. “Authentic, delicious, natural coffee. I want to bring something unique to my community. I want to give something special back.”
On March 5, 2024, Lazy Buffalo began selling unique coffee beverages and comfort.
Juliana Barbee, director of the Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will be dining in the arts center parking lot on Northern’s Española campus on Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Receive guidance on business practices and regulations from. ). The food truck, which features a vibrant mural by Santa Fe artist Sebastian Vera, will also be at Presbyterian Española Hospital on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“Melissa de la Cruz, the innovative brain behind the Lazy Buffalo Coffee Truck, is a young and accomplished entrepreneur who has benefited from important collaborations with universities,” said NNMC Financial Administrator said Vice President Dr. Dennis Montoya. “Julianna Barbee brings valuable expertise to guide us through the complexities of launching a new business that provides specialty food and beverages to students, faculty, staff, and the community. are joining forces to address one of President Hector Balderas’ key priorities: the need for diverse and accessible food options on campus, thereby reducing the food deserts prevalent in local communities. We took advantage of the opportunity to fight against.”
“This exciting opportunity is part of Northern’s strategic plan to provide more food options to our students and community while providing opportunities for small businesses to grow and contribute to the local economy,” Balderas said. Stated. “As we continue to transform the student experience at Northern, we will see more initiatives like this on our campuses.”
Melissa’s parents, Andrea and Richard Delacruz, food truck owners, have mentored her in all aspects of the business.
“I couldn’t have started this adventure without my parents’ help,” Melissa said. “We spent countless nights figuring out permit paperwork and start-up costs, and they taught me how to network and make connections. I am truly blessed to have been raised by a family that taught me how to work. Thanks to their constant support, I am here now.”
Melissa drives the truck with the help of her 12-year-old sister Molly, who is an entrepreneur herself. It was Molly who insisted that she make freeze-dried candy in a large freeze dryer that her family had purchased. Her family initially rejected her idea, but when they finally tried it, they were amazed at how delicious the candy was. Molly suggested taking candy to church elders who couldn’t eat candy because of dental problems, and they loved it. Freeze-dried candies and ice cream, currently sold at Lazy She Buffalo, are Molly’s own commercial venture.
Lazy Buffalo’s coffee and specialty coffee drinks are exceptional, made with pure Colombian coffee grown at high altitude, with deliciously complex flavors and a more caffeinated kick. (Most of the “Colombian” coffee sold in coffee shops is blended with beans from other countries.) Melissa’s grandfather roasts most of the coffee, but Colombians prefer blonde roasts, so Melissa makes their own dark roast. When she sent samples to her grandfather, he said, “I hope I never burn my coffee again,” and her local customers appreciate her strong flavor.
Starting a business at any age, especially at 18, can be daunting, but Melissa received support and many tools for success from Northern’s SBDC. Barbee guided her in operations, marketing, sales, and innovation launches. She also helped Melissa develop a business plan that would allow her to operate a food truck full-time (she currently works part-time at the Bureau of Land Management Rio Grande Valley Visitor Center) and expand Freeze. Short-term goals become easier to achieve. Drying companies that sell their products to other companies. The Dela Cruz family’s long-term goals include opening a cafe and eventually franchising multiple coffee trucks and cafes.
“The concept of a coffee shop has always been a dream of mine,” Delacruz said. “I want to fill it with people and see people studying, people going on dates at coffee shops, people enjoying coffee. That makes me happy more than anything.”
“There’s no better way to learn something new than by doing it, and 18-year-old Delacruz is doing just that,” Barbee said. “Running this coffee truck business is a real-life entrepreneurial opportunity for Melissa. Our business environment is constantly evolving, and in today’s world, you can be anything you want to be if you’re willing to put in the effort.” “Melissa is an inspiration to other young entrepreneurs. Her determination, passion for learning, and truly kind and respectful attitude are the perfect example to follow.”
“SBDC Director Juliana Barbee has gone above and beyond my wildest expectations in helping us grow our business,” said Delacruz. “Since our first phone call, she has been by our side and helpful with all of our questions, inquiries, structuring and concerns. The support I received has completely changed my life. Without the help of my business angel, Julianna Barbee, we would not be here today serving Northern New Mexico. The University also , who were extremely supportive of our launch, from providing advertising and informing the university community to finding a good location.”
Melissa and Molly will use their experience at Northern to analyze customer demand for the beverage and food offerings, gather feedback, and continue to create better processes. But their real purpose is to build relationships with customers at both Northern and Presbyterian Hospitals.
“Students, staff, and faculty have all been so passionate about supporting us on campus. Everyone who stops by, takes a photo, or says a friendly word goes unnoticed. We’re really grateful to be able to come here and grow and be part of this community,” Delacruz said. “We are also grateful to Española Presbyterian Hospital. Thank you to all the patients and hospital staff who made our dreams come true. Our journey to get us here today I have to thank everyone who took part.”
Want to learn more about how the Northern Small Business Development Center can help?
If you are a new business or aspiring entrepreneur, please visit here.
https://nnmc.edu/home/community-gateway/small-business-development-center-at-northern/
Follow Lazy Buffalo Trading Company LLC.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556275628955.
Molly and Melissa Delacruz in the truck. Photo provided by: NNMC
Melissa (in black) and Molly de la Cruz serve customers at Lazy Buffalo. Photo provided by: NNMC
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