A self-proclaimed foodie, Caroline had initially sold baked goods at the market but exchanged her inventory of cupcakes and sweets for hot tamales last fall at her husband’s suggestion.
Owners Caroline (left) and Chad Cobell launched the eatery as a farmers market vendor. In March, Edible Houston named Caroline’s Kitchen the top vendor in Houston.[/caption]“People loved [sweets], but it wasn’t flying off the table,” she said. “We sold out [of tamales] the first market. Every subsequent market we do, we sell out usually by 11 [a.m.]”
On its first day of business at its storefront, Caroline’s Kitchen sold out of tamales in 45 minutes, Chad said.
“That was a week’s worth of tamales [I made],” he said.
Caroline said she learned to make the Mexican dish a decade ago from her sister’s mother-in-law.
“I still love [tamales],” she said. “Now we tweak [the recipe] and do foodie-type tamales—unique things you won’t find.”
Caroline’s Kitchen offers a range of tamale flavors—from traditional pork to jalapeno cheeseburger—by the dozen and half dozen. Some tamales like the turkey and dressing tamale—which Caroline said was a customer favorite last fall—are seasonal.
Each week, the Cobells make and sell about 100 dozen tamales.
“It’s quicker to do one batch of one flavor in one day,” Chad said. “It will take probably six hours [of constant work] to do 24-32 dozen.”
Lunch specials, catering and delivery services, and outdoor seating are also available. Caroline said she hopes to add additional seating and evening hours as summer approaches and business increases.
“It’s exciting [to see] the growth that we’re experiencing. Never once did I think that I would be here where I am today,” Caroline said. “We have so much opportunity that we can’t even keep up with it.”
Caroline’s Kitchen
411 W. Main St., Ste. A, Tomball
281-516-8117
www.carolines-creations.com
Hours: Tue.-Wed., Sat.10 a.m.-3 p.m., Thu.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. , closed Sundays and Mondays
