Taco enterprise grows into community favorite
10 years of Lakota Fund support bolsters Kyle business.
KYLE -- After 10 years of growth and expansion the personal and fulfillment of a business well-run.
Angie, her husband Jess Reyes and sons, Wanble and Tony have expanded a small burrito business into a full-fledged restaurant and labor of love, called La India Bonita.
"I'm pretty sure the local people are happy with our little taco business because we have a lot of customers," Angie said.
It now operates from the dome-shaped building that was the original Lakota Fund office in Kyle.
But it wasn't always so. After moving to the area from Texas where they had been working for 17 years, the Reyes' could not find employment. They began selling homemade burritos from a cooler to make ends meet. They later expanded to a trailer.
With the help of loans, businesses classes and advice from Lakota Fund, the business has since come into its own.
"Without Lakota Fund I'd probably still be at the trailer instead of having a restaurant." Reyes said.
"They are there when I need them. It's not like at the bank when you do there they say "well, we can't because your credit history is this". They are always willing to help. They never say no."
Angie hopes the family business will help teach her sons to be savvy entrepreneurs as well.
"I'm teaching them so maybe one of these days they can start something of their own."
Angie's now has a website.
Taken from:
March 2004 Lakota Fund News
IN SWEET REMEMBERANCE OF ANGIE REYES
La India Bonita Burritos is a small family owned and operated business which has provided needed jobs and services to the people of Pine Ridge Reservation. When you were in Kyle, you made it a point to have lunch at Angie’s, although the restaurant held the name of La India Bonita’s Burritos it was warmly referred to as Angie’s, why because she was always there togreet you with a smile, friendly services and good food. If you were a regular she would greet you with a special saying “What will it be today Taco Tony; Hi Jo, 1 fajita coming up”she knew your favorites.
Angie and Jesse's story is one that many have experienced, upon moving home and not being able to find a job. Angie and Jesse had a dream of starting a business. They begin selling homemade burritos out of a cooler. Angie saw her little business venture growing, with her natural Entrepreneurial spirit, knowing that growth was essential. Her compassion and commitment for her business led her to approach the Lakota Funds for a Micro-loan. With the help of loans, businesses classes and advice from Lakota Funds the small burrito business expanded into a full-fledged restaurant and labor of love. "Without Lakota Fund I'd probably still be at the trailer instead of having a restaurant." Angie said.
Although Angie leaves us with saddened hearts, her Entrepreneurial Spirit will continue to inspire new business owners, who will continue to share her adventure of becoming a successful business owner on one of the poorest counties in the Nation. As we say goodbye to our dear friend, we send prayers of Strength to her family."ANGIE THE BURRITO LADY 1957-2007"
