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 beginning.
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, backed by Monarch butterflies and various phrases.
“The mural is by an artist from Madison named Juan,” Hector said. “That’s six- or seven-year-old me and my brother. It’s a reflection of following your dreams.”
Hector’s upbringing is likely quite different than those who were born and raised in the Chippewa Valley. His early childhood was spent living in Mexico with his parents; he recalled selling food or seeing his parents give food to others despite not having much to give in the first place. Around the age of 11, he moved to the Altoona area.
“I came up with nothing; I’m a foster kid,” he said. “Growing up alone like that was very, very hard. I’ve been through depression, (dealt with) alcohol, drug use … The real reason I want to be successful is so I can give back and give back to other low-income kids and people.”
He has an entrepreneurial streak, though that didn’t necessarily lend itself to higher education, Hector said. After spending some time in college he dropped out and continued to chase his dreams of business ownership.
“I get sentimental,” Hector said when asked about his early business success. “I grew up with no parents and, man… I finish my shift sometimes and I just look at this. It feels amazing.”
Speedy Tacos has a large, loyal Hispanic following, he said. The first year of success has already spawned a second location in Arcadia. In a couple of years, he plans to open two more Speedy Tacos locations in the Abbotsford and Wausau areas.
It’s an untapped market for Wisconsin, Hector said, but the key thus far is rooted in authenticity. Hector said beyond offering positive customer service, he feels if the team is able to make people smile or laugh, they are doing what they need to do to be successful.
“In life, I turn negativity into positivity; I turn water into horchata.”
Speedy Tacos gas station and convenience store (3314 E Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire) is open seven days a week from 5am-midnight • Keep up with the local location on Facebook and learn more online at www.speedygasstation.com
Tacos Callejeros (street tacos) are served on house-made corn tortillas and topped with onion and cilantro. There are a variety of protein choices including trompo, arrachera, tinga de pollo, birria and more.
Drink options beyond Coca Cola products include horchata, tamarindo and jamaica agua frescas.