H.A.L.O., which stands for Helping and Loving Others, began in 2003 when Linda Resvaloso’s late husband told her that people would wait in line for her popovers. With the help of family members, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal member decided to launch her own business.
She is grateful to have many family members involved with set up, prepping food, cooking and cashiering. “My sons Jesse, Charles and Mingo really know every part of the business, along with their wives Jennifer and Dreena,” Resvaloso said. “The grandchildren are also involved. Bella, Sofia, Ushla, Evie, Waniicha, Domingo, Benny, Johnathan and Ano help fill the orders, stock and cashier.”
With lots of repeat customers for their Indian tacos, popovers, burritos, regular tacos, frybread and fresh salsa, having the whole family help works out very well.
But the company is about so much more than delicious food. “If a person needs help raising money for uniforms, a funeral, lights for their church, or any type of fundraiser, we are always willing to help out,” Resvaloso said. “If someone is sick, I will make chicken soup with frybread and drop it off at their house.”
They also regularly give back to the community by teaching cooking classes. H.A.L.O. was a special guest at a recent Soboba TANF workshop during November’s Native American Heritage Month events. Resvaloso recently taught a class on how to cook popovers in Palm Springs, hosted by the Agua Caliente Cultural Preservation Committee.
“I started out cooking for funerals and events at a young age with Helen Jose from Torres Martinez Reservation,” she said. “She instilled in me that you are always to do for all people and respect your elders. It’s something that I have passed down to my family.”
Resvaloso, who has been the Assistant Store Manager at Roadrunner Express since July 2023, works there Monday through Friday. “We mostly cook on the weekends for events throughout the community,” she said.
Prior to the opening of the convenience store and gas station, she worked in Cash Operations at various casinos, including Soboba, for 25 years.
H.A.L.O. will be part of the next Soboba Casino Resort Food Truck Fiesta. Resvaloso is looking forward to sharing her cooking with the many people that come from near and far to enjoy good food and socializing with friends and family.
Photos courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
