L’Sandwiches Comfort Food
One of the most exciting aspects of being an entrepreneur is getting to pursue your passion. Aside from earning a profit, immersing yourself in something you love is one of the best reasons to start a business. When you get to do what you love every day, it doesn’t seem like work (even when it is).
In 2022, Eddie Wagaman and his wife, Lourdes, made the leap into entrepreneurship to pursue their passion – making delicious food to serve their community. They would host get-togethers with friends and family to cook for them…It was a labor of love. For five years they talked seriously about turning that passion into work they could do for a living, and the idea for a food truck was born. The core of their idea was to share their delicious “comfort food” with others. Serving it from a food truck was a terrific way to get out into the community.
The husband-and-wife team both worked in the corporate world and they kept their full-time jobs while in the planning stages for their food truck. Once they decided on a menu, they chose a name to go along with the menu – L’s Sandwiches Comfort Food. They spent countless hours researching every aspect of the business: food truck options and manufacturers, state and county licensing and permitting requirements, suppliers and partnerships, advertising, locations, ingredient, and labor costs, and of course creating large amounts of food in a mobile unit. “Everybody at my work was tired of hearing me talk about it. We had people come to the house to test recipes and different dishes. That’s how we created our menu.” They also sought assistance from the SBDC to make sure they didn’t forget anything in their planning. When asked how the SBDC was helpful in getting the business started, Eddie didn’t hesitate. “I wish I would have known about the SBDC before I went to LegalZoom. But our bank told us to meet with Jodi at the SBDC. Every time I called or emailed her, I always got answers. She was always patient with my questions, and she helped us make good connections. And making sure people know we serve comfort food was her idea!”
In the 4th quarter of 2022, they launched their beautiful food truck and they have been busy ever since! When asked what the best part of owning his own business was, Eddie didn’t hesitate, “Spending time with my wife!” They are truly partners as they divide and conquer the duties of preparing the ingredients, cooking the food, and making their customers happy. And they have learned so much in a short amount of time, including predicting which dishes would sell out the fastest, and where to not waste money. But they were spot on at guessing the popularity of their best-selling Smashburger. Getting hungry yet?
The L’s Sandwiches and Comfort Food truck can be spotted at various locations around Yulee. Local businesses have been delighted to have L’s serve their employees and customers. The schedule of locations can always be found on their Facebook page. And they plan to expand by serving area neighborhoods that want to give their residents comfort food choices. If you spot the ocean and beach-washed truck, wave and come fill your belly and enjoy the good vibes!
"I wish I would have known about the SBDC before I went to LegalZoom. But our bank told us to meet with Jodi at the SBDC. Every time I called or emailed her, I always got answers. She was always patient with my questions, and she helped us make good connections. And making sure people know we serve comfort food was her idea!"
Eddie Wagaman - Owner, L’Sandwiches Comfort Food