On a bustling Friday morning in Los Angeles, Maria Sanchez, known as “Maria la de los Burritos,” stands next to a construction site, her Hyundai Sonata’s trunk ajar, revealing her special offerings: dozens of carne asada burritos hand-wrapped in tinfoil.
Steel beams are hoisted into the dusty pink sky behind her as a construction manager approaches, eager to try her burritos. After tasting one, he purchases 15 burritos for his workers, a testament to the growing popularity of Sanchez’s culinary creations.
Once selling just 10 burritos a day, Sanchez now meets the demand of 60 to 75 burritos daily, showcasing her rapid success on social media platforms like Instagram. “I sell out in 30 minutes—less than an hour, and I’m already gone,” she proudly states.
Sanchez’s culinary journey began within an immigrant household in Honduras, where she developed a deep appreciation for cooking while watching her mother prepare meals. As a mother herself, she began cooking for her Mexican husband and their two sons, and during a challenging period of depression, she considered a new idea — taking her cooking to the streets of L.A. and sharing it with workers in need.
The climate of fear generated by ICE raids in Southern California has made it difficult for many immigrant vendors to maintain their businesses. Sanchez observes the empty parking lot of Home Depot, where day laborers used to gather. “A lot of vendors that I usually see around that area weren’t there either,” she remarks, highlighting the significant impact of these raids on the immigrant community.
In her own neighborhood of Inglewood, the struggle is palpable, with local businesses feeling the pressure. Sanchez’s mother, concerned for her daughter’s safety, advises caution in selling food, as even legal citizens have faced targeting during raids. Initially anxious about selling her burritos, Sanchez gained the courage to proceed thanks to encouragement from her growing social media following.
Upon arriving one morning, she finds a line of eager construction workers waiting for her. “Sometimes, eight people are right there already waiting in line for me to come. I get nervous when I see a lot of people. I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’m doing all this on my own,’” she exclaims. Sanchez offers an encouraging message: “As Latinos, we make it happen.”
Her personal style adds another layer of appeal to her business. With long eyelashes, French-tipped acrylic nails, and maroon lips, her appearance pays homage to a flashy style known as buchona, characterized by eye-catching accessories and tailored clothing.
“I’ve always liked dressing like that,” she says with laughter. At 3 a.m., before beginning her culinary work, Sanchez skillfully applies her makeup, reminiscent of the late Selena Quintanilla. She values presentation and recognizes the attention her look draws. “People will say, ‘You get your makeup and hair done. You still manage to get ready and still do burritos. They’ll always be in shock,” she notes.
Growing up, her immigrant parents encouraged modesty in dress, which prompted her to explore her fashion sense once she moved out. “I never got the chance to dress the way I wanted,” she explains. Now, living with her boyfriend, she has embraced her own style.
Sanchez’s burrito-selling career began in October 2024 in the Homedepot parking lot, where she quickly found her niche. “People tell me they never see people selling burritos. I see tamales and empanadas, never just a pure standard burrito. I got the idea — let me try selling burritos,” she recalls.
Sanchez’s deep-rooted love for Mexican food, cultivated from her childhood in South-Central L.A. and regular visits to La Luz Del Día restaurant, translated into her culinary success. Her burritos, priced affordably at $5, became an immediate hit, often selling out within an hour.
However, her success was not without its challenges. Selling as an attractive 26-year-old woman occasionally exposed her to unwanted attention, including men filming her and instances of harassment. Sanchez states, “It can be vulnerable. I don’t see young girls my age dressed up the way I am, selling food alone.” Nevertheless, her friendly demeanor and connection to the workers have helped minimize these negative encounters. “I’m super talkative with all my customers,” she adds.
As the days passed, the mood among her customers shifted. The fear of ICE raids became more pronounced, resulting in fewer clients in the final week at Home Depot. Sanchez explains, “I wasn’t getting as much clientele because a lot of people are scared to go out.” Eventually, Home Depot management had to ask her to leave due to safety concerns surrounding traffic at the site created by her growing popularity.
Undeterred, Sanchez began exploring different construction sites in Inglewood, quickly adapting to the changing landscape while expanding her customer base. Her TikTok and Instagram videos, showcasing her cooking skills, went viral, amassing her an impressive following of over 27,500 on Instagram.
“The people watching me pushes me to keep going,” she says, acknowledging how her newfound fame has motivated her entrepreneurship.
Sanchez’s business continues to thrive beyond the Home Depot location, offering affordable, home-cooked Mexican food to construction workers who appreciate the quality of her meals over fast food options. “I’ve never had a single complaint to this day,” she states with pride.
Her savory breakfast burritos, filled with fluffy eggs and sausage, alongside her flavorful homemade sauces, provide a hearty meal ideal for those on the go.
Every day, Sanchez rises at 4 a.m. to prepare her ingredients, emphasizing freshness. “Nothing is made the night before, besides the beans, which take three to four hours to cook,” she says. “I want everything freshly made in the morning. That’s the point for me.”
Her success in the burrito business can be attributed to the entrepreneurial lessons instilled in her by her mother, who sent her to sell gum on the sidewalks of downtown L.A. as a child. “She always put into my head: You can get what you want on your own. You can do it,” Sanchez reflects, appreciating her mother’s unwavering support.
Sanchez aspires to inspire young women to pursue their own food ventures, frequently sharing tutorials on how to sell burritos and offering encouragement. “A lot of young girls tell me, ‘I want to do this. I’m only 22 years old, but you’re inspiring me to do it,’” she reveals.
Ultimately, Sanchez dreams of owning a food truck, a “lonchera,” that she envisions as “all pinked out.” With her charismatic approach and determination, she is working hard to save for that goal, creating a path not just for herself but for aspiring young entrepreneurs with similar dreams.
image source from：latimes
