Hoover native Jessica Maldonado turned a family dream into a community‑focused business when she launched Something Simple Coffee + Sips, a mobile coffee and drinks truck, in June. The venture reflects her desire to plant deeper roots in the city while providing a convenient, affordable option for busy parents.
Family at the Heart of the Business
Maldonado, a mother of six—Reilly (19), Mayah (17), Madilyn (8), Isabelle (6), Sophia (3) and Noah (1)—and wife of Hoover Police Department detective Ignacio, said the truck allows her to coordinate her schedule around school events and family commitments. “I would be able to make my own hours and wouldn’t have to miss the kids’ activities,” she explained.
Her husband helped name the business, and her mother assisted with the LLC formation. Older daughters sometimes serve customers, while the younger children act as taste‑testers, turning the operation into a true family effort.
A Simple Menu for Everyone
All drinks are 20 ounces and priced at $6, each made with what Maldonado calls “one special ingredient: love.” The menu includes cold‑brew options such as caramel, sweet cream, mocha and brown‑sugar, as well as a range of fruit‑flavored lemonades (strawberry, peach, blue raspberry, mango, watermelon). For an energy boost, she offers plant‑based Lotus refreshers in blends like peach‑pineapple and mango‑orange.
Dirty sodas—orange dream, southern Dr. Pepper, vanilla root beer, berry Sprite and classic dirty Coke—provide a nostalgic twist, while seasonal hot drinks like lattes, macchiatos and hot chocolate will appear in the fall.
Serving the Community
The truck parks at popular local spots such as The Preserve, nearby hospitals, school events and community festivals. Maldonado will also be at the Taste of Hoover event in October at Aldridge Gardens. Customers can book the trailer for weddings, birthdays, farmer’s markets and other gatherings through her website.
Beyond convenience, Maldonado hopes the venture inspires other parents to pursue entrepreneurship without waiting for external approval. “If you want to open a coffee truck, just do it,” she said, urging families to trust their own vision.
Balancing Work and Dreams
While working as an administrative assistant at J. Alexander’s, Maldonado gained insight into restaurant operations, which sparked the idea of owning her own venture. After two years of planning, she converted a horse trailer into a fully equipped coffee mobile, handling everything from plumbing to electrical systems herself.
When a sudden stop on the road caused the trailer to sway and spill supplies, Maldonado quickly cleaned up and continued serving customers, demonstrating the resilience required of small‑business owners.
Looking Ahead
Although a brick‑and‑mortar shop remains a future goal, Maldonado is focused on building trust within Hoover and delivering high‑quality, simple drinks. Her story underscores the city’s supportive environment for family‑run enterprises and the value of local entrepreneurship in strengthening community ties.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
