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.
The Evolution of Sandwiches: How Lito's Kitchen Adds a Flavorful Twist
By: Leighpicsletters
Sandwiches have become a beloved culinary staple around the world, offering a convenient and customizable meal option that suits a wide range of taste preferences. From humble beginnings to modern-day innovations, the sandwich has come a long way. At Lito's Kitchen we have taken this timeless creation to new heights, infusing our sandwiches with tantalizing flavors and surprising twists that leave patrons craving for more.
The Origin Story of Sandwiches:
The sandwich, as we know it today, owes its name to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who popularized this culinary creation in the 18th century. As legend has it, Mr. Montagu was quite the avid gambler. In the midst of a requested his servants to bring him meat placed between two slices of bread, enabling him to continue playing cards without greasing his fingers. The idea soon caught on, and just like that, the sandwich was born.
Evolution and Global Popularity:
From its early origins, the sandwich quickly gained popularity and underwent various transformations across different cultures. In the United States, the sandwich became a symbol of quick and satisfying meals, with a multitude of regional variations such as the Philly cheesesteak, Reuben, and Po' boy.
Lito's Kitchen: Elevating Sandwiches
Nestled in Garland, Texas, Lito's Kitchen has become a local hotspot for sandwich enthusiasts seeking unique and mouthwatering creations. Lito's Kitchen is renowned for its commitment to quality ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and bold flavor combinations that sets our sandwiches apart from the rest.
The Signature Flavors of Lito's Kitchen:
At Lito's Kitchen we pride ourselves on creating quality sandwiches with fresh ingredients. Our diverse menu caters to a wide variety of palates and dietary preferences. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or vegan we have something for everyone. Some of our standout sandwiches include:
The Italian Sandwich: Hot capicola, salami, ham, provolone cheese, pickled veggies, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and basil-pesto mayo on a hoagie roll.
The Turkey Avocado Sandwich: Provolone cheese, avocado, turkey, basil-pesto mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions are piled high on your choice of bread (we prefer our fresh baked sourdough).
The Mediterranean Sandwich: Hummus, grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh jalapeños, cilantro and feta cheese are wrapped up in pita bread and served with Tzatziki sauce on side.
What truly sets Lito's Kitchen apart is our unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. Every sandwich is carefully crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to ensure maximum flavor and quality. At Lito's Kitchen we understand the delicate balance between textures and tastes, resulting in sandwiches that are a harmonious blend of flavors and freshness.
Sandwiches have evolved from a simple convenience food to a culinary art form, and Lito's Kitchen in is leading the charge with our innovative and delicious creations. By infusing our sandwiches with unique flavors and using the freshest ingredients, we have managed to capture the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. If you're in the Garland area, be sure to visit us at Lito's Kitchen and indulge in our scrumptious sandwich offerings. Experience the evolution of sandwiches with a twist that will leave you craving for more at Lito’s Kitchen.
Why Lito’s Kitchen Love’s Sourdough Bread
By: Leighpicsletters
Whether you’re eating a sandwich or one of our bowls, wraps, soups or salads, Lito’s Kitchen has one primary commitment: making it better. Since our inception in 2016, we’ve pledged to serve the freshest food possible and make it better one customer at a time. In keeping with this tradition, late last year our owner, Angel Villatoro decided it was time to make a change. After spending months in Connecticut comprehending the art of breadmaking, he took what he’d learned and applied it at Lito’s Kitchen. Using only the best ingredients, he decided to perfect the art of making sourdough bread.
Sourdough bread isn’t just a type of bread, but a process. Becoming increasingly popular in the last few years, this bread offers a unique texture and taste. Beyond this, it’s also layered with a variety of health benefits. “I eat bread every day and I’ve actually lost weight, but I now only eat sourdough bread,” Angel explained.
To create the fresh baked sourdough bread at Lito’s Kitchen the process begins with using a naturally occurring yeast and bacteria mixture, which is often referred to as a sourdough starter. This mixture helps to break down the gluten and phytic acid found in wheat, making it easier to digest. To enhance the experience of eating the sourdough bread at Lito’s Kitchen, Angel ensures that the wheat flour used isn’t bleached white flour but high-quality organic flour. In addition, sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index, which means it causes a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people with diabetes or those watching their blood sugar levels.
Another reason Lito’s Kitchen prefers sourdough bread is it’s typically a more sustainable option. While many commercial breads are loaded with preservatives and additives to extend their shelf life, our sourdough bread is made with only a few ingredients, which enhances the flavor of your favorite sandwich.
The next time you’re visiting Lito’s Kitchen and you have a hankering for a Barbacoa Melt, BLT+AC or one of our mouthwatering Reubens, try it on our fresh baked sourdough bread. If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, enjoy a slice or two of this chewy, crispy, slightly tangy bread, buttered and sprinkled with sea salt and paired with one of our soups or salads. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
The Top 5 Sandwiches to Try at Lito’s Kitchen
By: Leighpicsletters
When it comes to choosing our top five sandwiches at Lito’s Kitchen, we might be a little biased, since they’re ALL of our favorites! However, there are a few star-studded sandwiches on our menu that truly stand out. Here’s our list of must-try sandwiches when making your way to Lito’s Kitchen.
Breakfast Sandwich
Made for egg lovers, our breakfast sandwich is the perfect start to any morning. Fresh baked ciabatta bread is loaded with fluffy scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and your choice of meat. Personally, we love the addition of crispy slices of bacon. The real standout in this breakfast beauty is the chipotle aioli spread. Add one of our creamy cappuccinos to make this breakfast unforgettable.
Chimichurri Steak Sandwich
A seasonal delight, our Chimichurri Steak Sandwich at Lito’s Kitchen is the perfect sandwich. Prepared with extra tender, seasoned and marinated beef loin strip steak, it’s topped with fresh red onions, lettuce, tomatoes and of course our signature chimichurri sauce. Our favorite part about this sandwich is the fresh sourdough baguette and homemade black pepper mayo. This seasonal sandwich pairs perfectly with our side of signature roasted cauliflower.
Cuban Sandwich
A top seller for the past 7 years, our Cuban sandwich is the definition of happiness between bread. The carnitas is cooked slow and low for over 24 hours until the pork is perfectly succulent and tender. Once the braised pork is prepared, we add thin cut slices of ham and Swiss cheese to fresh baked bread. Topped with jalapeños, mustard, mayo and our homemade pickled red onions, after one bite you’ll see why this is a fan favorite.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
It’s a fact, not all chicken salads are created equal. At Lito’s Kitchen we always strive to make everything better and our chicken salad is no exception. We marinate our chicken breast for several hours to lock in all of the juicy, tender flavors. Prepared with celery, grapes, cranberries and almonds, this sandwich is layered with sweet and savory textures. Served with lettuce on a buttery croissant, you’ll love our chicken salad sandwich with our side Caesar salad. Pro tip: During your next visit, try it on our fresh baked multigrain sourdough bread.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
One of the most classic comfort foods to ever be placed on bread, the grilled cheese sandwich is a dietary staple. While it’s certainly true this sandwich can be made in the comfort of your own home, we like to think our version at Lito’s Kitchen takes this standard to another level. Served with cheddar and American cheese, it’s almost mandatory that you get your grilled cheese sandwich on our fresh baked jalapeño cheddar sourdough bread. To make it extra adult, try adding sliced avocado, crispy bacon and our homemade chipotle aioli. This classic is best served with our tomato basil soup.
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!
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.
The Toasted Sandwich Dilemma: Why Butter Reigns Supreme over Margarine
By: Leighpicsletters
When it comes to making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, the choice of fat can make all the difference. While margarine and imitation butter may have their place in the culinary world, there's no denying that real butter takes the crown. Here are a few reasons why Lito’s Kitchen prefers the superior and mouthwatering fat, butter vs. all others.
The Natural Goodness of Real Butter:
Real butter, made from churned cream, is a natural product without artificial additives or hydrogenated oils. It provides a rich, creamy flavor that enhances the taste of your favorite sandwich. Unlike margarine, which is a highly processed product made from vegetable oils, butter is minimally processed, making it a more wholesome choice.
The Healthy Fat Myth:
For years, fat has been villainized as the enemy of a healthy diet. However, recent research has highlighted the importance of consuming healthy fats in moderation. Butter, in its natural form, contains a good balance of saturated and unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are vital for brain function, hormone production, and overall cell health.
A Source of Essential Nutrients:
Butter is not just a source of fats; it also contains important fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins play crucial roles in supporting immune function, promoting bone health, and protecting against oxidative stress. Margarine, on the other hand, often relies on synthetic additives to fortify it with vitamins, which can never truly replicate the nutritional value of natural sources.
No Trans Fats, No Compromises:
One of the major drawbacks of margarine and imitation butter is their high content of trans fats, which are formed during the hydrogenation process. Trans fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health issues. In contrast, butter contains only trace amounts of naturally occurring trans fats. By choosing real butter, you can enjoy the indulgence of one of our scrumptious sandwiches without compromising your health.
Superior Taste and Texture:
Butter wins hands down when it comes to flavor and texture. Its rich, creamy nature lends a distinct taste and a satisfying mouthfeel to our toasted sandwiches. Margarine often falls short in this department, as it can have an artificial aftertaste and lacks the richness that butter imparts. The authentic buttery flavor is what truly elevates a grilled cheese sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
When it comes to making a mouthwatering, hot sandwich, real butter is the undisputed champion. With its natural goodness, essential nutrients, and superior taste, butter offers a delightful experience that margarine and imitation butter simply cannot replicate. So the next time you indulge in a crispy, gooey grilled cheese, at Lito’s Kitchen, remember we spread the love with a generous slather of real butter.