A Taste of Heritage: Family-Owned Botanera La Loma Brings Authentic Flavors to Hope

HOPE, Ark. — On North Pine Street, Botanera La Loma is more than a frozen-sweet oasis—it’s a testament to family, heritage, and community pride. The shop, owned and operated by Maria Elimar Camillo Leyva and Bernabe Dominguez, draws locals and visitors alike to its vibrant doors at 410 N Pine St, where colorful banners hang in the windows, and the scent of fresh elote and paletas fills the air.

Maria, originally from Guerrero, Mexico, has lived in Hope for 25 years. In July 2022, she and her husband, Bernabe. opened Botanera La Loma, eager to share authentic Mexican flavors. Maria oversees customer service and food prep, while Bernabe manages inventory, maintenance, and upgrades. Their daughter, Yudit, said an expanded ice cream freezer and selections would arrive soon, allowing for a variety of new flavors. Their collaborative efforts are powered by a dedication to quality service and an unmistakable warmth—especially for children. They joke that the sweetest reviews come from the smallest customers.

The family’s entrepreneurial spirit isn’t new—it spans generations. Maria and Bernabe’s parents and grandparents built a business-first ethos that now echoes in their children’s work. One of those children, college freshman Yudit Dominguez at UAHT, initially hesitated to work in the shop, but that hesitation has given way to admiration. She credits her growing respect to witnessing her mother’s unwavering work ethic and hands-on, inclusive leadership, a trait rooted strongly in both her mother’s and father’s families.

Though English isn’t Maria’s first language, she bridges the communication gap through attentive listening and repetition—recalling orders in English despite initial hesitation. To onlookers, this cultural fluency radiates humility and grace—especially under the pressure of a bustling afternoon rush.

More than a business, Botanera La Loma fosters local camaraderie: nearby restaurants root for one another and reflect a spirit of collective pride, each serving their own “favorites” around town, according to Maria. Maria’s hopes for the shop reach beyond sales. Her favorite menu item, she says, is a “Manganada”—a tangy, spicy mango treat. And yet, her first taste of American culture was a Whopper from Burger King, which she still loves. She is motivated by the dream of seeing her children—and their children—flourish in life and in business. With five children and a new granddaughter, sharing photos on their phones has become a heartfelt bond: “Thank God for smartphones and the inspiration our children and grandchildren make in our lives,” Maria says with a radiant smile.

When asked about her heritage, Maria responds with pride, reflecting on the traditions she brought from Guerrero. She emphasizes that inclusivity matters: although many menus and signage are in Spanish, she encourages all customers to ask questions, promising that new palates and smiles await those who try.

Their continued expansion relies on word-of-mouth, community camaraderie, and even a growing social media presence. As Yudit and her siblings soak up the family’s legacy, Maria looks forward. She envisions growth, not just for her own business, but for every small dreamer in town. Her joy stems from hearing children laugh, seeing families bonding over a bowl of ice cream, and knowing that her heritage is woven into the fabric of Hope. “Our goal is to work hard and grow our business… motivate employees and family with a dream of success and pride in the business,” Maria says, adjusting a photo of her granddaughter on her phone. As Saturday evening ends, so does this interview, with an order to take home to my family—proving that this family business, their hospitality, the quality food, and their spirit, are here to stay.