06/17/2026
Lil Red Wagon: Fresh Food, Big Heart
What started as a weekend side hustle in 2019 turned into something much bigger when life threw Melissa and Larry Bautista an unexpected curveball.
Like so many people in 2020, they suddenly found themselves facing uncertainty in their regular jobs. Rather than giving up, they pivoted. They took a chance on themselves and turned Lil' Red Wagon into a full-time business.
Starting with a used trailer and a dream, Melissa and Larry built their business one customer at a time. Today, Lil' Red Wagon has become a favorite around Billings, serving up their famous Montana Cheesesteaks along with tacos, nachos, salads, and protein bowls made with fresh, hand-cut beef.
But what really stands out isn't just the food. It's the people behind it.
Melissa and Larry have built more than a successful business. They've built relationships. They believe in living simply, giving back to the community, and making memories through travel and new experiences. Along the way, they've supported causes close to their hearts, including addiction recovery, su***de prevention, and Relay for Life.
Their story is a reminder that sometimes life's unexpected turns lead to opportunities we never imagined.
And thanks to a whole lot of hard work, and the support of the Billings community, Lil' Red Wagon continues to roll on, serving great food and bringing people together one meal at a time.
- Nancy
P.S. Check out the full interview of Melissa Bautista of Lil' Red Wagon here: https://youtu.be/6-_2f1uSyGo?si=KgkUE5XLOsk4dkls"