DALLAS — Decked in pink, matching dangling skeletons for the season, and string lights, a pop-up turned brick-and-mortar in Bishop Arts has garnered exploding interest serving Mexican treats with a twist.
This small, albeit mighty, elote shop started as a mobile stand in 2022. Instagram Reels and TikTok videos show long lines made it clear that soon after it was time to move to a more permanent spot. Me Enloteces now sits at 111 North Bishop Avenue in Dallas.
"Slowly but surely, we started to get the acceptance from the Dallas metroplex," said Aidee Del Villar, founder of Me Enloteces. "We just became more known every day."
Del Villar is not new to running a business. Inspired by her husband's family upbringing, she and her husband opened a mobile popsicle and ice cream stand shortly before COVID-19 rattled the world. But when the best option was to close its doors at the pandemic's peak, Del Villar knew she wasn't finished trying.
"Listen, I am the biggest elote lover in this world!" Del Villar said.
So started Me Enloteces – a playful variation on the Spanish expression "me enloqueces," which means "you drive me crazy." Me Enloteces is meant to mean "so good it drives you crazy."
And crazy is how customers feel about the menu.
At the pick-up window is a variety of choices from elote, loaded Dorito trays, agua frescas, horchata, ramen with a twist and even cheesecake bites.
Within three months of opening their fixed establishment, the Del Villars have only continued to grow their customer base and social media channels, posting cute and quirky videos regularly.
She's also had run-ins with other business owners.
"A lady came from Arizona – and I'll never forget it – just to tell me I inspired her to start her own corn business," Del Villar said. "She came all the way over here just to thank me."
Comments and encounters like this is what keeps Del Villar going, she said. Del Villar grew up eating elote with her father – childhood memories she holds dear. A first generation business owner, Del Villar said her parents, who immigrated from Durango, Mexico, were initially nervous for her ... but now, are so proud.
"Anytime I make anything with corn, it always takes me back to my childhood," Del Villar said. "Just knowing I'm able to create memories for other families is such a blessing, too."
This Hispanic Heritage Month, Del Villar is reflecting on the power of a woman, "especially a Latina woman ... we can do it all."
"I really identify the color pink with just women," Del Villar said. "I don't come from a family that's ever had a business, so I had no idea ... it goes to show that, as a woman, you really can do anything. We're able to have our own business and be a mom and be a wife. So [the color pink] makes me think 'woman' and the power we have."
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