With Cinco De Mayo just around the corner, we caught up with local entrepreneur Juan Banda to discuss his new business.
Juan recently opened Taqueria Fresnillo, located at 211 W Cloud Street. The restaurant is an authentic taqueria, and the name comes from Juan’s family’s hometown of Fresnillo, in the Zacatecas state of Mexico.
Juan started his first business, a retail shop called Rodeo at 1501 S 9th Street, four years ago after being inspired by his parents. When Juan was 10, his mother ran a restaurant and his father had his own retail shop, but they closed up shop when he was around 15.
Juan wanted to continue the businesses, and when he was 21 he opened up Rodeo, and recently opened Taqueria Fresnillo in February. His mother helps with the recipes at the new restaurant, handing down recipes from generations and using authentic spices.
We spoke to Juan last week and he told us business is going well, and he has been meeting other local business owners.
“There’s a lot of opportunity here in Salina,” said Juan. “There’s not a lot here, but we’re part of the community, and each of us have to really make a difference. They say you have to love what you do, and I’m just doing what I love. I’ve had the best teachers in the world, my parents, they taught me how to make decisions.”
Juan would love to expand the restaurant in the future and is always looking for ways to improve both Taqueria Fresnillo and Rodeo. He currently runs both businesses, and you can see him running back and forth on a daily basis!
“Right now I’m everything! I have to wear different hats, so I’ll either be the dishwasher, or the cook or the cashier,” said Juan. “I’ll even be doing the books! Then I’ll go to the retail store and sell bus tickets, phone activations or clothes. Whatever needs done.”
Taqueria Fresnillo is having a grand opening event this Friday, Cinco De Mayo. There will be free drinks (Horchata or Melon Water) offered for every order of red or green enchiladas or flautas, and 99KG will be live on air from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. There is also a raffle every Friday for prizes, and customers can register in store to win free food and more.