LESS FUSS, MORE FLAVOR. Speedy Tacos is a threefold business, operated by longtime Chippewa Vallian Hector Pucheta. The Hispanic gas station/convenience store/drive-thru fast food eatery has found great success over the past year, and it’s just the begining.
When it comes to the success of his convenience store business, Hector Pucheta is adamant: “It’s not because I’m special; it’s nothing but hard work.”
Hector brought the area’s first Hispanic convenience store/gas station to life about a year ago,when Speedy Tacos opened up shop on the south side of Eau Claire. It’s an untapped market,he said; offering a 50/50 selection of typical western products and Mexican goods and – the star of the show – a fast food drive-thru featuring Speedy’s own authentic menu.
The Chippewa Valley supports many Mexican-style restaurants, but Hector emphasized his business should not be labeled as such.
“I didn’t want to have a restaurant, I wanted a convenience store with good quality fast food,” he said.”I wanted to keep it simple and have fun with it.”
Behind the Amoco gas pumps, Speedy Tacos’ building is split into its convenience store side and its order-at-the-counter eatery side. While the menu is simple – offering a handful of entrees, breakfast items and a three-dish kids menu – the longer you browse it, the more likely you are to crack a smile.
“I finish my shift sometimes and I just look at this.It feels amazing.”
HECTOR PUCHETA
OWNER, SPEEDY TACOS
Hector’s personal humor is reflected in some of the dishes’ names, he said – the La Chica Loca (which translates to “The Crazy Girl”), the Burrito Panzon (“the Big Belly Burrito”) and the El Trio Travieso (“The Naughty Threesome”) are some examples – and his enthusiasm for life is palpable, even over our recent phone call.
He spoke of his own experiences working at other restaurants and small businesses, noting how frequently he found people were not happy at work.
“It’s so sad,” he said. “I took something from those experiences. You should enjoy what you do (and at Speedy Tacos) it’s about the love of the community and not being scared to laugh.”
On the “Speedy Tacos” side folks can order grub to go or take a seat inside, while the right side of the building houses convenience store goods.
Near Speedy Tacos’ food counter, a vibrant multi-hued mural splashes across the wall from floor to ceiling. It depicts two children in Mariachi-style clothing.
Worth a look