The Aroma of Sweet Success

Where do they make the world's best pan dulcé (sweet bread)? Lourdes Velasquez has the answer: Lulu’s Gourmet Goodies. Final answer? Yes. Velasquez dares you to take a bite and see if you don't agree.

Located in Mrs. Velasquez’s hometown of McAllen, the bakery offers a wide selection of quality baked goods, including breads, muffins, cakes, and cookies. It also has cozy little tables in front where customers can come for a cup of coffee and have a breakfast taco before starting their day.

It is not just the yeast in the bread that has made a business success story out of Lulu’s Gourmet Goodies. Commitment to unparalleled customer service, quality, and value has been instrumental in its growth and success.

Savvy owner Lourdes Velasquez’ dream of owning her own bakery may not have begun with having an easy bake oven as a child.  It was not until years later when she was working as a pastry chef in a local cafeteria style restaurant that she acquired the skills that would be needed for her profession.

With the full support of her daughter, Marcela, she decided to open her bakery. Velasquez’ plan was to rent space from an old, pre-existing bakery on the south side of town. Once she had the location determined. Mrs. Velasquez determined she needed start-up funds to purchase such bakery essentials as ovens, refrigerators, cook ware and a new grease trap.

Just as a good chef knows where to find the right ingredients, Mrs. Velasquez had an ideal source of information: The University of Texas-Pan American Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Having attended several seminars sponsored by SBDC, she knew that while business counselors may not always know how to bake pastries, they are experts in cooking up great business plans.

Lulu’s Gourmet Goodies prides itself on using only top-quality ingredients and the freshest baked bread. Baking starts daily at 5:00 a.m. and continues throughout the day. Asked if she ever gets tired working 80 hour weeks, Mr. Velasquez turns with a beautiful smile upon her face and respectfully nods her head and says, “No! Because I love what I do!”