Today we’d like to introduce you to Julita Latimer.
Hi Julita, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been an entrepreneur most of my life, from my mobile lemonade stand to my newest endeavor, Julita’s A Food Truck Company. I’ve been cooking as far back as I can remember;
the first dish was homemade potato chips. Cooking and feeding people have always been a passion of mine. So when I moved to Kansas City over 30 years ago, I applied for my first cooking job at The Classic Cup in Westport, and it was the best ride of my life.
Julita’s was founded by Julita Latimer. While Julita has been in fine dining restaurants for 15 years and had Julita catering for 15 years, it was in August of 2021 that she
decided to launch Julita’s very own food truck. After much research and speaking to a couple of local food truckers, Julita knew this was her path. Part of that success is to give back to the community and gain a customer following. Julita’s is committed to
working with farmers on the city’s east side to provide produce. Julita’s will also support Kanbe’s Market and their quest to end food insecurity in Kansas City.
But the real story is this:
I have a history of “food trucks” and good food in my family. My great grandmother made fried hand pies stuffed with fruit in Birmingham, AL. She would set up her wagon she
pulled from home to the nearest factory and sell her pies to the employees to help her family. Fast forward to my mother. She was the queen of fried chicken on the south side of Chicago. So much so that her friends would buy a chicken and bring it to her then
she would fry it. Fast forward to today, I fry just like my mother taught me. Over the years, I have fried chicken for hundreds of people through Julita catering, and overwhelmingly, it’s a winner-winner chicken dinner. This food truck will truly be a family
affair; I wish those ladies were here to see it all unfold.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
For the most part, it’s been a smooth ride. The biggest struggles were balancing working and caring for my two girls and husband. I ran into a few men who didn’t think I belonged;
one suggested I go home and have kids. I must say I usually was the only black woman on the line, but if that was a problem, it was someone else’s.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I decided on a food truck in September, and now I have an amazing truck and a growing business. Julita’s specializes in pan-fried chicken and other southern foods. Julita’s
was inspired by my mothers fried chicken. I’ve served it many times and decided it was time to bring it to the masses. Cooking in cast iron on a truck is different, but it’s how the chicken is prepped that is the true secret to its deliciousness. I am so proud
of the business itself. When people see the name Julita, I believe it means quality, integrity, and fun.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I closed Julita Catering business about 3 months before COVID hit but on the truck we are committed to a safe and clean working space and taking care of our bodies and minds.
Contact Info:
- Website: Julitaskc.com
- Instagram: @julitaskc
- Facebook: Julitaskc
