Today we’d like to introduce you to Estella Collmer.
Hi Estella, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am fourth generation in this business. My great grandfather started the business in the 70s in Indiana. They started working at drive in movies theaters and then moved into fairs. The Indiana State Fair being one of the first. My grandparents took over the business which started with just meatballs, that is why our company name is called Meatball Factory. My grandparents then took it over and continued to grow the business. My grandfather worked so hard, he created more stands and got booked into more fairs. Now my parents have taken it over and my dad has grown our business even bigger. We have about 4-7 concessions at each fair and sell foods like corn dogs, turkey legs, elephant ears, shishkabobs, elote. We have also opened Nights of Lights which is a light show we put on at the Miami Dade County Fairgrounds in November and December. This business is very family oriented. We are all together all the time and constantly working. It is one of the only businesses where you can be with your family 24/7. My grandparents are even still involved. We just finished up at the Miami Dade County Youth Fair and had a wonderful year. This business is very special to me and my family and we put so much pride into it. We prioritize fresh foods like our corn dogs, they are made with a batter that my father created years ago. They are hand dipped every day and served fresh. This business goes deeper than many people understand and we are so thankful to be apart of it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a business always comes with struggles, during Covid we struggled a lot at first because our entire season got canceled. We got the call hours before we were opening at the Miami Dade County Youth Fair. However with this business there are always unknowns and you have to work through them. During Covid my dad put on drive thru fairs. We worked with the fairgrounds and opened up our trailers and people would drive thru and get their food. Being in the carnival business you get creative and you learn to work through anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Most of the concessions you see out at the fair are generational. This business is so family oriented. I grew up running around the fair, I went to school on the fairgrounds, and some of my best friends are also in the business. We are all one big family. Many people also don’t realize that we live on the fairgrounds in our RV. I am most proud of how much we grow each year, not just in our business but in our family as well. My grandparents, parents, and I talk constantly about what we can do next. We are always coming up with ideas to make our business better. My family works harder than anyone I know and that is where I got my drive from. You have to be ready for long hours when you get into the carnival business. This business also isn’t just a one man job, you have the rides, games, entertainment, etc. there is so much that goes into it. Being fourth generation in this business is something I am so proud of.
Any big plans?
We have just built our new trailer, Cantina Louie. I am looking forward to booking this trailer into more fairs. Also adding more foods to our menu. I am also excited for our light show, Nights of Lights. We are constantly brain storming on how to make this an enjoyable experience for everyone and how to really bring the Christmas spirit to Miami
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cantinalou , @thecarnivalfactory
