Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenda Badi.
Hi Glenda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always dreamed of having my own business once my kids were older. Before starting Little Lady Grill, I spent almost 18 years working in accounting, which was my last career before taking the leap into owning my own business. That experience gave me valuable knowledge about the business side of things, while my earlier experience in the food industry and growing up in a family of business owners gave me an understanding of the hard work and dedication it takes. When the opportunity came, I decided to combine that experience with something I truly enjoyed: hosting, cooking, and grilling.
With my kids getting older and the support of my husband, I was able to turn that dream into Little Lady Grill. Eight years later, I’m proud of how far we’ve come and incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported us along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. I had researched how to start a food truck, but I didn’t really know how the business worked day to day, and I didn’t know anyone in the industry. I started in Rosslyn, Arlington, where many food trucks would line the streets for lunch. Everyone seemed to know each other and already had their customers, while nobody knew us.
It was especially challenging entering a business mainly run by men. We had the police called on us and even had other food truck owners confront us. But I also met some great people along the way who guided me and helped me understand the industry. I learned as I went, kept pushing forward, and never gave up.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Little Lady Grill is a woman-owned, family operated Latin-fusion food truck serving the DMV. We specialize in fresh, flavorful grilled food, with everything prepared and grilled on-site.
What sets us apart is that we’re not your typical food truck. We focus on quality, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors rather than a large menu. We serve everything from grilled meats and seafood to vegetarian options, and we cater to corporate lunches, neighborhoods, weddings, private parties, and special events.
What I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built over the past eight years. We’ve created relationships with customers who continue to invite us back year after year. Little Lady Grill is about more than serving food—it’s about giving people a great meal and a personal experience they remember.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is to do your research, but also understand that you’ll learn a lot as you go. I wish I had known more about how the food truck industry actually worked, not just how to start the business. Build relationships, ask questions, be willing to learn from others, and don’t get discouraged when things don’t go as planned. Most importantly, believe in what you’re building and keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Littleladygrill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleladygrillfoodtruck?igsi=MWo2cWExamo0bXF6bQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HAkpJufqy/
- Yelp: Check out Little Lady Grill! https://yelp.to/9cnKnZi-8W
- Other: Little Lady Grill & Sandwiches Food Truck https://share.google/qLIKC0GwdgGu46NyQ
