The leaps of Lito's Kitchen
1. How has Lito’s Kitchen changed since opening in 2016?
Starting a business is hard and starting a business without money is even harder. At the beginning, we didn’t have everything that we needed nor the look that we wanted, but we needed to start somewhere. Our business has transformed in countless ways since day one, and we continue to grow and evolve—both as a company and as owners—every single day.
2. Over the years, how have you gauged the needs of your customers when it comes to the items on your menu?
When I dreamt of opening my own kitchen, it was difficult to figure out what type of food or concept I should do.Typically, you already have an idea for your location and you’re pretty certain about what cuisine you’d like to serve, or you find a location first and figure out what will be served. I went with the latter of the two choices and decided on a location first. We looked around and chose an industrial area in Garland, Texas. The area was ideal because it was a food desert—making it the perfect place for something healthy, versatile, and fast. With that knowledge, we decided to focus on sandwiches, soups, salads, and bowls.
3. What was your push for incorporating fresh-baked bread onto your menu?
When we first opened our wholesale bakeries couldn’t deliver bread to us because we didn’t have enough volume. I wanted a specific type of bread for a specific sandwich. For a while, I went from one bakery to another to purchase the bread that I needed. Eventually, we were able to work with a local wholesale bakery that supplied our bread for several years. The customers really enjoyed it. But, about three years ago, I realized that I wanted to offer even fresher bread to my customers. So, I spent time with my friend and his wife who had opened an artisan bakery shop called KNEADS. Working at one of the best artisan bakeries in the country exposed me to the proper way to bake sourdough bread and I found it fascinating. I watched, and learned how they worked with local farmers, and milled their own flour. Since that experience, I began making fresh sourdough at Lito’s. For nearly a decade sandwiches were our top sellers, so baking our own sourdough bread just made sense.
4. What are your most popular items at Lito’s?
Lito's still offers the beloved base menu we launched with, featuring favorites like our grilled chicken, Cuban and turkey avocado sandwiches, mac and cheese, and Cobb salad. Over the years we’ve introduced special menu items that have gained popularity, like our chimichurri steak sandwich, barbacoa melt, grilled chicken bowl, chicken pozole verde, and poblano creamed corn. Currently our menu is composed of the classics and specials that became part of the menu. But honestly, everything on the menu sells. A lot of our customers come here almost three to four times a week, and they appreciate the variety.
5. Unlike so many other restaurants, Lito’s survived COVID. How were you able to get through the pandemic, and what have you learned since then?
Not only did the restaurant survive, we did so by the mercy of God. I know that we live in a world that’s constantly changing. Tastes change, and what worked once may not work later. The ability to adapt while still doing your very best is crucial. By the time the pandemic hit, we had already built our own app for online orders. We were also using other channels for orders.
6. Many restaurant owners have stated that since the pandemic, one of their most difficult issues has been keeping dependable employees. What has your experience been when it comes to the staff at Lito’s?
Employees will always be a challenging aspect of any business. We kept everyone on our team. We never laid anyone off because of the pandemic. There is always a rotation in this business, but I think retention has to do a lot with how you treat your employees.
7. What advice would you give to someone just starting out who is trying to juggle restaurant ownership and family life?
I think I do much better now than I did in the beginning, but I certainly had to learn the hard way. People often talk about balance, but there really isn’t. You must understand that the same way your passion and business need you, so does your family. It’s important to attend to these duties because without family, your success is worthless.
8. You recently added gluten-free bread to your menu. What was the push behind this decision?
We want to accommodate our customers as much as we can, although sometimes it's impossible. I can’t speak as a doctor, but a lot of the gluten intolerance has to do with the bad bread out there. So, the most important thing we wanted to do was make our own sourdoughbread from scratch.
9. As Lito’s approaches its monumental 10th anniversary, what are you most excited to share with both longtime and new customers?
Our commitment to make better food continues, from our bread to spreads. We would like to grow our bakery and perhaps one day mill our own flour.
10. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I would like to extend my gratitude to God first, my family, and all the customers that have supported us over the years. I am truly grateful.
Only the best: Why Lito’s Kitchen Uses Locally Sourced Ingredients
By: Leighpicsletters
One of the most remarkable things about Lito’s Kitchen is our commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. From the fresh vegetables to the meat, everything is sourced from nearby farms, producers and local farmers markets.
Locally sourced ingredients means that the food at Lito's Kitchen is fresh, healthy, and sustainable. By sourcing ingredients from nearby producers, Lito's Kitchen ensures that the food is as fresh as possible. It also means that our restaurant supports local farmers and producers, which helps to sustain the local economy. And, because our ingredients don't have to travel far, the carbon footprint of Lito’s Kitchen is significantly reduced, which is beneficial to the environment.
Beyond reducing the carbon footprint, using locally sourced ingredients means that our food is seasonal. We choose ingredients based on what’s available throughout the year.
For example, during the summer at Lito’s Kitchen we love to showcase our signature salads, like the Mixed Greens + Quinoa, Texas Cobb or Chef Salad. In the fall, because customers are looking for heartier options we like to promote our Chicken Pozole Verde and Tomato Basil soups. By using seasonal ingredients, Lito's Kitchen ensures that the food is always fresh and flavorful.
Customers are drawn to Lito’s Kitchen because of the quality and freshness of our food. Since our inception, the goal of Lito’s Kitchen was to make it better. Making our food better starts with one ingredient at a time. It’s our sincerest wish that you taste the difference in the ingredients and appreciate the restaurant's commitment to sustainability.
Lito's Kitchen's use of locally sourced ingredients sets us apart from other eateries. By sourcing our ingredients from nearby producers, we ensure that the food is fresh, healthy, and sustainable. If you're looking for something fresh, and food that makes a statement, then visit Lito’s Kitchen. We can’t wait to see you!
Get on Our Side: Our Most Mouthwatering Side Dishes at Lito’s Kitchen
By: Leighpicsletters
It’s no secret that at Lito’s Kitchen our biggest attention grabbers are our sandwiches. However, in the past 7 years of our existence, we’ve also learned the importance of creating unforgettable sides. Sides. Accompaniments. Whatever you want to call them, they enhance the experience of devouring your main dish. Here is our take on the most mouthwatering side dishes at Lito’s Kitchen.
Watermelon + Peach + Feta Salad
Perfect for spring or summer, it’s not a surprise that you may want to order this salad by the boatloads. Fresh cut watermelon and peaches come together with feta cheese, basil and our homemade vinaigrette to create the perfect sweet, creamy, tangy and salty flavors of our Watermelon + Peach + Feta Salad. Stop by Lito’s Kitchen to place your order for your next family barbeque or work potluck. Pro tip: Say that you made it, we promise not to tell.
Roasted Cauliflower
Who says healthy can’t mean scrumptious? Our roasted cauliflower is a crowd pleaser for a reason. Fresh and lightly seasoned, pieces of roasted cauliflower are dressed with our house made romesco sauce, and sprinkled with queso fresca and quinoa. For those looking to make this side keto friendly ask for your roasted cauliflower without quinoa. We promise, it’s still yummy!
Hummus
Whether you’re eating it as a side or a snack, the hummus at Lito’s Kitchen is an appetite appeasing essential. Made in house, it’ rich, tangy, creamy and filling. Our hummus is topped off with sumac to give it an extra pizzazz. Served with your choice of pita bread or fresh veggies it’s the kind of guilt free side you can truly appreciate.
Mac N’ Cheese
An American staple, there are few things more comforting than mac n’ cheese. Lito’s Kitchen truly values our cheese lovers, (because we are the same) so our mac is made with three cheeses. A creamy, dreamy, wonderment, our mac is so good that it can be eaten on its own. It’s also fantastic paired with one of our salads.
Caesar Salad
At Lito’s Kitchen we love a good Caesar salad. Light, yet bouncing with flavor, this salad makes an ideal accompaniment to any of our soups, or sandwiches. We start with fresh Romaine lettuce, then we add parmesan cheese, crunchy garlic croutons and red onions for an extra bite. It’s topped with just the right amount of house-made Caesar dressing. Add this classic to one of your favorite sandwiches at Lito’s Kitchen today!
The Top Vegetarian and Vegan Options at Lito’s Kitchen
By: Leighpicsletters
Lito’s Kitchen prides itself on having something for everyone. This is part of our commitment to always making our food better. Whether you love your meat and cheese, or you’re interested in going the meatless route for lunch, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top vegetarian and vegan options at Lito’s Kitchen.
Greek Salad
Our Greek Salad is an explosion of flavor. Made with fresh romaine lettuce, we combine artichokes, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, feta cheese and pepperoncini to make this salad spectacular. Make it vegan by asking for no feta cheese. We promise it’s still just as delicious.
Mixed Greens + Quinoa Salad
Hearty and filling, this very vegan salad is one of our most requested at Lito’s Kitchen. We join fresh mixed greens with quinoa, and then add loads of almonds, cranberries, strawberries, cucumbers, apples and red onions for additional crunch. Our Mixed Greens + Quinoa Salad is all about texture and taste.
Build Your Own Bowl
Go for the goal and build your own bowl at Lito’s Kitchen! We offer a variety of different options. Try creating a filling veggie friendly bowl with roasted vegetables, quinoa, black beans, and our famous pickled onions. Top your bowl off with our chimichurri sauce, and you’ve got a blissfully delicious lunch.
Breakfast Sandwich
The most important meal of the day, our breakfast sandwich keeps you feeling full and ready to take on the day. Two lightly scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese are served atop our freshly made ciabatta bread. The sandwich is finished with our house-made chipotle aioli. To make your vegetarian friendly breakfast sandwich extra hearty, opt for a few slices of avocado or get extra cheesy and add American cheese.
Smoothies
Who says a smoothie has to be boring? Perfect for getting your greens in for the day, our Pineapple-Kale Smoothie is a yummy balance of tart, earthy and lightly sweet flavors. We combine Greek yogurt, fresh kale, pineapple, honey and chia seeds to make this energizing and delicious beverage. For berry lovers, our Banana-Berry Smoothie is a must try. One of our top sellers, fresh mixed berries, bananas, Greek yogurt and honey combine to create a wonderfully antioxidant rich and refreshing drink.
Horchata Iced Latte
New to our menu and the perfect pick me up, our Horchata Iced Latte is in a league of its own. Not only is this latte vegan, but it’s also decadently delicious. Our house-made horchata is a combination of cinnamon, vanilla, rice and almonds. Once prepared we add a double shot of espresso. Creamy, and not overly sweet, you won’t be able to get enough of our healthy horchata treat!
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
We never get tired of this classic. Our grilled cheese is an absolute must. Made with American and cheddar cheese, try adding jalapenos and avocado slices to take this classic vegetarian sandwich to the next level.