La Paletera

History

In the spring of 1997, Emerita Salazar brought her long-awaited dream to life. After a great deal of hard work the first La Paletera debuted on Kostoryz street in Corpus Christi, Texas. The unique offerings of La Paletera made it an instant success with local patrons. What began as an ambitious vision—exporting the authentic paletas and fruit cups of Mexico into the United States—has now evolved into a profitable franchising enterprise.

Famous for its “paletas” or popsicles made of mashed and cut fruit, La Paletera delights customers with healthy fruit cups loaded with a distinctive lime and chili powder. La Paletera has gained recognition and won numerous awards, including the Corpus Christi Caller-Times’ Reader’s Choice Best of the Best Blue Ribbon Award.

After six years of remarkable success, Salazar sold the concept to a strong Texas Development group, which is introducing the concept nationwide while maintaining an important role in senior operations and ownership. Today, there are 12 La Paletera stores, along with two full-service commissaries. Three new stores are under development in San Antonio, Texas, with existing units in Corpus Christi, McAllen, Beeville, Victoria and San Antonio, Texas. Negotiations are also underway with area developers in Houston and Dallas.

As La Paletera moves into its seventh year of operations, the Company is confident they have created a specialty food service concept unique to today’s franchise market. The menu, while simple and easy to manage, has received exceptional reviews by an overwhelming majority of guests. Original and flavorful products, coupled with a casual dining atmosphere, appeal to a broad audience of consumers, from youths and families to couples and the elderly.

La Paletera will undoubtedly continue to enjoy business success—now, and for years to come.