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Inspiring Conversations with Kayla Kemp of 901 Eats and Treats, 901 Nacho Lemonade, & 901 Birria Station

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Kemp.

Hi Kayla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Our journey started in 2023 with a shared love for food, creativity, and bringing people together. What began as a simple idea—serving great food with good energy—quickly grew into something bigger as we saw how powerful food can be in building community. We didn’t start with a big budget or a perfect roadmap, just passion, consistency, and a willingness to learn as we went.

Along the way, we developed multiple concepts under the 901 brand, each with its own personality but the same heart. From burgers on Texas toast and Memphis made lemonades to birria that “goes off the rails,” everything we create is rooted in bold flavor, fun presentation, and authenticity. The journey wasn’t without challenges—long days, late nights, and plenty of trial and error—but every obstacle helped shape both the business and our confidence as entrepreneurs.

Today, we’re proud to have grown from an idea into a recognizable, community-driven brand that reflects who we are: family-focused, creative, resilient, and rooted in our city. We’re still building, still evolving, and still dreaming big, but every step forward has been about staying true to our vision and proving that when passion meets perseverance, something meaningful can be built from the ground up.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most small businesses, we faced our share of challenges along the way. From navigating startup costs and equipment issues to learning the ins and outs of permits, logistics, and daily operations, there was a lot we had to figure out in real time.

We also learned quickly that growth comes with pressure—long hours, unpredictable days, and moments where we had to stretch ourselves mentally and physically. Balancing creativity with business decisions wasn’t always easy, and there were plenty of lessons learned through trial and error.

That said, every challenge helped strengthen us. Each obstacle forced us to adapt, get more efficient, and trust ourselves. The struggles didn’t slow us down—they sharpened our vision and reinforced why we started in the first place. We’re stronger, more focused, and more grateful because of the road we’ve traveled.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our business is built around creating memorable food experiences rooted in flavor, creativity, and community. Under the 901 brand, we operate multiple food concepts, each with its own personality but a shared mission: serving bold, high-quality food with heart and intention. From comfort classics like burgers on Texas toast and fresh lemonades to our signature birria concept that’s become a fan favorite, everything we do is made to be fun, flavorful, and authentic.

What sets us apart is the way we blend food with personality and storytelling. We don’t just serve meals — we create a vibe. Every menu item, visual, and concept is intentional, family-friendly, and designed to connect with people of all ages. We focus on consistency, presentation, and making our customers feel like part of something bigger when they visit us.

We’re especially proud of the brand we’ve built from the ground up. The 901 identity represents creativity, resilience, and community pride, and we’ve worked hard to make sure that shows through in everything we offer — from our trailers and merch to our customer interactions. We’re known for standing out visually, delivering bold flavors, and showing up with energy wherever we go.

What we want readers to know most is that our brand is about more than food. It’s about building something meaningful, supporting our community, and creating spaces where people can enjoy great food and good vibes together. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, excited about where we’re headed, and committed to continuing to grow while staying true to who we are.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is the value of staying true to our vision while remaining flexible. Not everything goes as planned, and we’ve had to learn how to adapt quickly without losing the heart of what we’re building. Growth requires patience, humility, and a willingness to learn — even when things feel uncomfortable.

We’ve also learned that consistency and integrity matter just as much as creativity. Showing up, doing things the right way, and treating people with respect — customers, partners, and our team — has been key to building trust and a strong brand. At the end of the day, success isn’t just about the food or the visuals; it’s about resilience, community, and believing in the process even when the results aren’t immediate.

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Image Credits
Kayla Kemp, Martin Centeno

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