Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olivia (Liv) Alvarez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Olivia (Liv), thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

In the vegan vending world, I find that most businesses are suffering because most Americans are afraid to try vegan food. The vegan community is growing but not as fast as we think. The challenge is trying to cater to both vegans and non vegans alike. The problem I’m seeing is that these businesses are either closing down or starting to put animal products on their menu to stay afloat. It’s heart breaking to see business go through this rough patch because I want to see more vegan business win. In my opinion, I believe the solution is to not advertise that you’re vegan and to make damn good food.

Olivia (Liv), love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I always had a deep passion for food my whole life and it intensified when I discovered The Food Network. In middle school, I watched Food Network constantly trying to replicate dishes and flavors. I would also bake cupcakes before school to sell to my classmates. After high school, I went straight to culinary school to hone my craft. Culinary school taught me everything I needed to know about food, the industry, and how to lead. I graduated with degrees in Culinary Arts as well as Baking & Pastry. My first restaurant job was the historic Culver Hotel where I was hired as a prep cook. The Culver shaped me into a lead cook landing me jobs at another hotel, a country club, etc. I left the restaurant industry behind so I can start my own business called Vegan Food by Liv which is now called Fruit Bat. Fruit Bat is an LA based vegan pop up specializing in comfort food. I drew inspiration for my branding from my love for bats. I was also inspired by the witchy, dark, Halloween events I vend at. I am extremely proud of my little business.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the dark side of the restaurant which was being a hard ass manager. When I was managing at restaurants I was overwhelmed, overworked, and stressed. Possessing all of those poor qualities turned me into an unhappy person that I didn’t recognize.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Listening to what my customers want helped build my clientele. Social media has also been really helpful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fruitbatla.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: @fruitbatLA

Image Credits

Olivia Alvarez, Courtney Allen