SBA Official Tours Salt Lake City Small Business
Associate Administrator Lisa Shimkat visited Casa Del Tamal to discuss feedback with local business owners.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Lisa Shimkat, associate administrator of field operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration, visited a Casa Del Tamal location in Salt Lake City on October 29, 2026. The visit aimed to gather direct feedback from small business operators regarding their needs and current challenges.
Why it matters
The visit serves to provide federal officials with firsthand insight into the obstacles faced by small business owners. This information helps the agency refine its support programs and financial services for local entrepreneurs.
The LCDT Restaurant Group expanded to a second location in the Post District in 2025 using an SBA-backed loan. The business is a family-run operation with five children assisting in daily functions.
The players
Lisa Shimkat
She serves as the associate administrator of field operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Cristina Olvera
She is the founder of the Casa Del Tamal business who began as a vendor at the Azteca Swapmeet.
Andres Sanchez
He is the president and CEO of the LCDT Restaurant Group.
Frida Sanchez
She managed the social media marketing campaign to promote the tamales.
The details
Cristina Olvera, who immigrated from Mexico in 1998, began her business selling tamales at the Azteca Swapmeet in 2019. The company has grown from its first location in West Valley City to include a new site in Salt Lake City, supported by specific moisture-retaining cooking techniques and social media marketing from Frida Sanchez.
Timeline
1998: Cristina Olvera arrived in the United States.
2019: Olvera began selling tamales at the Azteca Swapmeet.
Late 2019: The first Casa Del Tamal opened in West Valley City.
2025: The second restaurant location opened in the Post District of Salt Lake City.
October 29, 2026: Lisa Shimkat visited the restaurant location.
Market Landscape
The visit aligns with the U.S. Small Business Administration field operations outreach program, which facilitates communication between federal agencies and local businesses. This engagement helps align government support with the competitive requirements of expanding family-owned restaurant groups.
Customers in Salt Lake City may notice continued growth or changes at the Post District location as the company utilizes its recent loan. The expansion reflects the ongoing development of the local food scene and access to federal financial resources for small businesses.
The takeaway
Small business growth often relies on a combination of family dedication and access to federal financial support. Entrepreneurs can benefit from engaging with agency representatives to better understand available loan programs and support services.
Further reading
For more updates on local retail developments, visit Salt Lake City Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
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