At Banterra, we strive to be your financial partner in all aspects of your banking needs, including offering products that fit your unique needs, building strong relationships, and providing support in every way we can to help your business succeed. One of the ways that we show that support is through Banterra’s “Meet The Merchant” blog series, which provides insight into the entrepreneurial journey of some of our business customers and then promoted through our marketing channels. This month, we are excited to highlight Erik Martinez and his growing lineup of food and dessert concepts in Evansville, Indiana including Best Coast Tacos, Casa de Masa, Freedom Bowls, and The Cookie Plug. From bringing California‑style Mexican flavor to the community through Best Coast Tacos to expanding into new brands, Erik’s journey is rooted in hustle, consistency, and strong local support. Continue reading to learn what inspired him to build these businesses and the advice he shares for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Tell Us About Your Eateries

Through the years, we have worked to open a variety of business concepts including Freedom Bowls which is located in California and in Evansville on US-41 that serves smoothie bowls and other nutritious snacks and bowls. We recently opened our food truck, Best Coast Tacos in Evansville to offer a variety of California-style Mexican food. In March of 2025, wwe also opened The Cookie Plug on Franklin Street. Here you can find delicious, large cookies in all sorts of flavor types. Finally, Casa de Masa provides fresh corn tortillas to the area.

What Was The Inspiration Or Motivation In Starting Your Business?

Once we knew we were ready to move to Evansville, it was a dream to bring that Cali-style flavor for everyone to enjoy.

Did You Always Dream Of Becoming An Entrepreneur?

I always knew I was meant to be my own boss, and that vision started coming to life roughly 15 years ago.

How Has Your Business Grown Over The Years?

Over the years, I have built cake and candy supply stores, The Cookie Plug corporate locations during the pandemic, The Cookie Plug franchise all over the country, Freedom Bowls (açaí superfoods), Best Coast Tacos, and Casa de Masa.

What Have You Done To Achieve Such Growth?

Hustle and grind each and every day!

What Is One Piece Of Advice You'd Give To Aspiring Entrepreneurs?

Keep going, even when it gets really hard. Just keep going!

How Does Your Community Play A Role In Your Success?

This community has shown our family and businesses an overwhelming amount of love and support. Without all of them, none of this would even possible. We couldn’t be more grateful.

How Has Banterra Helped Your Business To Become More Successful?

The Banterra team including, but not limited to, Jennifer Johnson, Amy Macke, Neal Hagan, and the amazing staff at the Diamond Avenue and St. Joseph Avenue locations have made all of our brands more successful. The amount of support provided and assistance with our banking needs has been above par, each and every time.

We ultimately decided to partner with Banterra due to the exceptional service provided by Branch Manager Devon Tonkins from day one. We have since closed our banking business with other banks in California and relocated everything to Banterra.

Staying Connected With These Eateries

Erik Martinez’s brands continue to grow thanks to strong community support and a commitment to showing up every day. Stay connected by visiting Best Coast Taco’s Facebook page and viewing Casa de Masa, Freedom Bowls and The Cookie Plug’s websites.

Choosing Banterra As Your Business Banking Partner

Banterra is proud to support our business customers within our communities for more than 50 years. Whether it is banking products, loan offerings, or treasury management tools, we are dedicated to solutions that fit the unique needs of your business. If you are looking to start or grow your entrepreneurial journey, and need a bank that is truly a partner, connect with our team today.