From Home Depot Parking Lot to $2.3 Million: The Rise of LJ's Lil' Cafe

Lydia Holmes and John Clarke started their restaurant journey in an unlikely spot—a 200-square-foot shed in a Home Depot parking lot in Cypress, California. Launching LJ's Lil' Cafe in 2021, the couple's two locations generated an impressive $2.3 million in sales in 2025.

Their story highlights how passion, perseverance, and a focus on a standout product—their viral OG breakfast burrito—can transform a humble startup into a thriving business, even without formal culinary training or prior business experience.

Humble Beginnings in a Home Depot Parking Lot

Lydia Holmes and John Clarke met in 2012 while working at a restaurant in Costa Mesa, California. Bonding over their love for food, they often recreated dishes at home, sparking the idea of opening their own eatery. When a fully equipped shed became available in a Home Depot parking lot, they seized the opportunity despite having no formal culinary or business background.

Purchasing the shed for $95,000 with a family loan and leasing the land from Home Depot, they launched LJ's Lil' Cafe in September 2021. Early sales were modest, mostly from Home Depot employees, and the couple faced challenges in marketing and attracting a wider customer base.

Discovering the Power of Burritos

Initially offering burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs, Holmes and Clarke soon realized their breakfast burritos were the crowd favorite. Their signature OG breakfast burrito, loaded with 25 extra crispy tater tots and a generous blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, became a viral sensation.

A glowing review by a freelance writer for Eater in 2022 catapulted their business overnight, leading to long lines and record sales days. Despite soaring wait times, the couple's focus on perfecting their burritos proved to be the key to their success.

Scaling Up: From Shed to Storefront

In 2023, they hired a general manager to handle daily operations and, in 2025, opened a second storefront location in Orange, California, funded with a loan supported by Holmes' grandparents. Together, both locations generated $2.3 million in sales in 2025, employing 29 staff members.

Holmes manages payroll, HR, and social media, while Clarke oversees vendors and equipment. Their next goal is to open another storefront in Cypress to reduce wait times at the original Home Depot location.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Neither Holmes nor Clarke had prior business knowledge, but their journey proves that determination and learning on the job can lead to success. Holmes reflects, “If we could do it, anyone can do it.”

“We're talking about work till we go to bed at 11 o'clock at night, but it's also really nice to be able to share this success with the person that you love the most in the world.”—Lydia Holmes

Balancing work and family life while growing their business keeps them motivated and on their toes. Their story is a testament to how passion and partnership can turn a small idea into a thriving enterprise.