When Hay Elotes opened on 7th Street in 2013, finding white Mexican corn in Austin was like “finding gold,” owner Jose Luis Cardona said. Cardona, who is from Honduras and came to Austin 19 years ago, had always been a lover of Mexican cuisine and decided to name the store after the shouts of Mexican street vendors.
Cardona said the support he received from the city and the Hispanic community fills him with great pride. Many of his customers travel to Hay Elotes locations to find elote on a stick, Mexican chips and aguas frescas.
“It shows the story of an immigrant that came here with dreams, and has made them come true,” Cardona said.
What’s special about it?
Mexican white corn is more savory in flavor than sweet corn and has to be imported from Mexico. Cardona said he quickly realized the lack of white corn in the market was because it was so hard to import into the U.S. After getting Food and Drug Administration approval and finding Mexican providers, they were able to bring this flavor to the city.
“I feel very happy because many people are beginning to open similar businesses to ours, and now they have the option to bring Mexican white corn, so we were the first ones to open that pathway,” Cardona said.
Hay Elotes’ 7th Street and Howard Lane locations have an adjacent food truck or kitchen serving Mexican food, such as tacos, which will soon be added to the Bastrop location. Hay Elotes also offers catering for events around Austin year-round and has served elotes at Hispanic Heritage Month and Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
What's on the menu
White Mexican ‘elote’ flavor pairs perfectly with chili dressings, mayo and cheese. The ‘elote’ comes on a stick, in a cup or with chips.
The Mango Hill is inspired by the typical ‘mangonada’ snack made up of mango-based ice cream smoothie with chamoy sauce, topped with sour candy and strawberries.
Mexican homemade ice cream comes in both milk and water-based options and is made from natural flavoring.
“I have clients that message me sometimes that tell me that they used to study nearby and now live in San Antonio for example, but that every time they pass through Austin they come for their elote,” Cardona said. “That really makes me happy.”
Austin
- 2214 E. 7th St., Austin
- 512-945-6275
- Mon.-Fri. noon.-9 p.m.
- 1200 W. Howard Lane, Austin
- 512-990-7045
- Mon.-Fri. 11a.m.-9:15 p.m.
- 900 Hwy. 95, Ste. 103, Bastrop
- 512-412-6300
- Mon.-Fri. noon-9 p.m.
