UPDATE: Marshall’s beloved snack shop, Dulce Luna Botana, is drawing sweet tooth enthusiasts from all over, just in time for its one-year anniversary at 409 E. Pinecrest Drive. Owner Maria Luna has transformed her passion for baking into a thriving business that is capturing the hearts of locals every day.
Just one year ago, Luna transitioned from a food trailer to a permanent location, creating a vibrant space for her innovative treats. Inspired by her upbringing and a deep desire to bring joy to her community, she began her journey at her brother’s restaurant, Taco Reyes. “It brought joy to me seeing the little kids with all the smiles,” Luna shared, reflecting on her early days selling snacks.
Luna’s menu features a delightful array of Mexican snacks and desserts, including street corn, tostilocos, tres leches cakes, and her signature aguas frescas. Notably, she offers a pumpkin spice horchata, a seasonal twist on the traditional drink, showcasing her creativity. “I wanted to spice things up,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to unique flavors.
As the youngest in a family of entrepreneurs, Luna’s journey is fueled by the sacrifices her parents made when they immigrated from Mexico. “We always told ourselves we’re going to push ourselves to give back to our parents,” Luna said, expressing gratitude for the community’s support that has helped her win the best dessert category in the News Messenger’s Hometown Best contest for two consecutive years.
Dulce Luna Botana is not just a business; it’s a family affair. With the help of her sister, Lorena, who previously owned a hair studio in the same building, Luna took a leap of faith to expand her operations. “We took the leap of faith and went ahead and moved over here,” she recounted.
Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, the shop continues to grow, with Luna expressing hopes of opening additional locations in the future. “I always wanted to have my own little location,” she said, reinforcing her dedication to expanding her reach and offerings.
Community support remains vital to Luna’s success, and she remains active at local events with her food trailer. The pressure of being a business owner is real, but Luna is motivated by the success of her siblings and her desire to excel. “It puts pressure, because it’s like, we want to do better,” she admitted.
With a diverse and rotating menu of aguas frescas, Luna encourages customers to follow Dulce Luna Botana on social media for updates on new offerings. Check out their pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest treats.
Luna’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “El sol brilla para todos,” she said, reminding everyone that opportunities are available for those willing to chase their dreams. As Dulce Luna Botana continues to flourish, the community of Marshall can look forward to many more sweet moments ahead.