Hula Peach

A new business is coming to Corpus Christi! Nestled inside Hamlin Shopping Center, Hula Peach (a word play on Hula Beach), will be opening its doors July 25. This tropical themed café will feature fresh fruit, smoothies, sandwiches, homemade chicken salad, pasta salad and hummus along with party trays and watermelon baskets. Sourcing the finest produce, this locally owned eatery is committed to quality and freshness.

Growing up in the Coastal Bend, owners (and BFFs!) Kim Luddeke and Charli Wright wanted to offer healthful and delicious lunch options as well as after-school snacks. Kim was a local elementary school teacher. After the birth of her son, she chose to pack up her multi-colored chalk and become a stay-at-home mom. Now that Kim’s son is a senior in high school, she decided it was time to re-enter the workforce and prepare for empty nesting.

Charli has been in oil field sales for 10 years. Like many South Texans impacted by the drop in oil prices, she needed to make a career change. However, she wasn’t willing to give up the two things she enjoys most - meeting new people and chatting with customers. She thought opening a business would allow her to do both. Her daughter graduated from Texas Tech University in May, 2016, so timing was now right for a new adventure. She called Kim, shared her idea and their partnership was born.

Kim’s specialty is creating scrumptiousness that makes you want to lick the bowl clean. She loves perfecting recipes and seeing a huge smile appear on someone’s face as they taste her latest concoction. Because of her engaging personality and gift of gab, Charli’s expertise is sales and marketing. She is energized by getting to know people and committed to building trust. Knowing this about each other, they wanted to open a business that would allow both members of this dynamic duo to pursue their passion.

Kim and Charli met with the owner of Fruit Creations in Calallen. They loved everything about it – the food, business model and positive environment. Once Kim saw the vibrant blackboard menu, she was excited to break out her multi-colored chalk once again. Thus, they decided to open a branch in town. Hula Peach will offer the same mouthwatering menu as Fruit Creations and add in a few specialties of their own.

Perfectly ripened fruit cups and chocolate dipped fruit-kabobs make a great treat. Need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up? Customize a smoothie with your favorite fruits and juice, then super charge it by adding in a scoop of protein, energy blend or immune support. Or, go green with healthy ingredients such as spinach, kale and cucumbers. But, if antioxidants and wheatgrass aren’t your thing, the homemade sun-dried tomato hummus is seasoned to perfection. Mama’s Pasta Salad, made with hearty ham and cheese, is a family recipe handed down over generations. (Warning – this dish of delight is addictive!) Doing the low carb thing? The meat and cheese snack pack or homemade chicken salad is a delectable alternative. And if you have an upcoming party, shower or event, spoil your guests with gorgeous, tasty trays or a decorative melon basket.

There’s something for everyone. Stop by and say hello. Dine in or grab a lunch box to go.