The need for a steady income during college quickly turned into a growing local business for Pittsburg State University junior Kelsie Lilly, owner of Tater Pitt, a loaded baked potato food truck located on South Broadway.
Lilly, a business marketing and management major, opened Tater Pitt in November of 2025 while balancing full-time coursework and running the business largely on her own.
“This is my first year at Pitt State and my second year in college,” Lilly said. “I’m double majoring in business marketing and management, and I’m projected to graduate in December of 2027.”
After moving to Pittsburg, Lilly said she initially took a restaurant job, but realized it wasn’t the right fit. That experience led her to explore a different path with her family’s support.
“I wanted to do something else, so we started brainstorming,” she said. “The original idea was a waffle stand, but with my school schedule, afternoons worked better, so we pivoted.”
With guidance from her grandmother, Lilly settled on a loaded baked potato concept. Choosing the name, however, took time.
“We wanted to incorporate the word potato, but we didn’t know if it should be potato, tater or spud,” Lilly said. “We were all sitting on the couch throwing out names until we landed on Tater Pitt.”
She said the name reflects both the food and the city it serves, adding an extra “T” to reference Pittsburg. Turning the idea into reality required quick decision-making and detailed planning. Lilly said the concept came together in early October, and the truck opened just weeks later.
“There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that people don’t realize,” she said. “From licenses and permits to figuring out where to buy supplies and how much to charge, everything has to be done before you can open.”
Lilly said one of the biggest challenges has been managing time as both a student and a business owner.
“I think my biggest challenge is making sure everything is done,” she said. “I’m a full-time student, and I also have to grocery shop, check emails, fill propane tanks, and keep up with paperwork.”
To manage the workload, Lilly said she focuses on one role at a time.
“When I’m in class, I’m in class. When I’m at work, I’m at work,” she said. “That’s what’s helped me stay focused.”
Despite the challenges, Lilly said the most rewarding part has been seeing community support grow.
“I’m really proud of the loyal customers who keep coming back,” she said. “I love knowing that I can make someone’s day with just a warm potato.”
Tater Pitt has gained attention through social media, particularly Facebook. Lilly said the response surprised her.
“The first week we were open, we reached over 500,000 views,” she said. “We hadn’t even opened yet, and people were already excited.”
She said consistency and portion size help the menu stand out.
“Our flavors are consistent, and our portions are big,” Lilly said. “Our potatoes are a pound before any toppings go on.”
Lilly added that her business and marketing classes have directly supported her work.
“I’m learning how to market to different groups, not just students,” she said. “What works for college students doesn’t always work for older community members.”
For students interested in starting a business, Lilly offered simple advice.
“Just do it,” she said. “People wait for the perfect time, and then they look back wishing they had started sooner.”