Tyler Chamber Helps Gumbo Seller Build Food Truck Business

Cassandra Washington used to sell gumbo from her car trunk at her kids' sports games, charging five dollars a bowl. She sold out every single time, with parents literally running to the store to grab bowls so they could take her food home.

Today, Washington runs San's 903 Food Truck in Tyler, Texas. She credits the Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce with helping her turn a side hustle into a real business.

The transformation started when Washington met Sandra Burns at an event where she was serving free gumbo at a cigar shop. Burns tasted the gumbo, and the two women immediately connected.

"I went from just being someone here to being her protege," Washington said. She started appearing on news and radio, gaining visibility she never imagined possible.

The chamber helped Washington with everything from setting up social media accounts to getting a P.O. box. Burns connected her with Delta Air Lines, and now Washington and her cousin are the only vendors who work with the airline.

Washington also gained access to mentors, study groups, and events where small business owners meet local officials. When she feels overwhelmed running the food truck alone, she calls Burns no matter the time of day or night.

The Ripple Effect

Dr. Latoyia Session, the new executive director of the Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce, wants to help more entrepreneurs like Washington succeed. She recently launched a renewal tour, personally visiting every member who renews their chamber membership with a certificate and thank you letter.

Session plans to teach small businesses how to use AI tools, create invoices, and network effectively. She believes teaching entrepreneurs to share their stories is the key to sales success.

The chamber hosts networking mixers every fourth Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., open to all small business owners. Session will be out in the community building relationships with businesses, nonprofits, and churches across East Texas.

Washington moved to Tyler from the Dallas area to be closer to her mother, turning down an offer to be the face of a new water park. Her oxtails are now her best seller on Fridays, often selling out before she even opens.

Some days are hard, but Washington has advice for other entrepreneurs: "Just keep going. Don't quit. Definitely join the Metro. They'll help you figure it out."