Small Business Spotlight: Francisco Morales - Los Panchos Taco Truck
Business Name: Los Panchos Taco Truck
Industry: Food Service
Connect with Los Panchos:
Home Location: 104 5th St, Monett, MO 65708
Facebook: Los Panchos Taco Truck
Instagram: Los Panchos Taco Truck
Email: fmoralesgonz10@gmail.com
Phone: (417) 772-1700
From Dream to Reality
In July 2020, at just 25 years old, Francisco Morales took a bold leap with his father, Francisco Sr., to launch Los Panchos. With a small truck, a pop-up tent, and a handful of cherished family recipes, they introduced Monett to authentic Mexican street food. The name, Los Panchos, is a nod to their shared first name’s Spanish translation, reinforcing the deep family connection at the heart of their business.
Opening a new venture is never easy, but doing so in the middle of a global pandemic presented unique challenges. With no prior business experience, Francisco turned to podcasts, YouTube videos, and pure determination to navigate the entrepreneurial world. His willingness to adapt and innovate has been key to Los Panchos’ success.
The Birria Taco Craze
Los Panchos quickly became a community favorite, largely due to its signature dish—birria tacos. These flavorful tacos, made with slow-cooked beef, melted cheese, fresh cilantro, onions, and served with a rich, savory broth for dipping, introduced Monett to a taste sensation that was new to the area. With vibrant red tortillas and bold flavors, birria tacos became a staple on their menu and a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
Building a Business on Family and Community
Francisco attributes the growth of Los Panchos to teamwork, social media engagement, and strong community support. From running giveaways to implementing online ordering, he found creative ways to keep customers engaged, even when pandemic restrictions made operations challenging. The dedication to quality, customer service, and authentic flavors earned Los Panchos a loyal following.
Beyond the business, Francisco values the opportunity to work alongside his family, giving back to his parents, who made sacrifices to provide for him and his siblings. The long hours and steep learning curve have shaped him into a resilient entrepreneur, instilling in him the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and self-growth.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those dreaming of starting their own venture, Francisco offers this wisdom: “It’s okay not to know your passion right away. Take risks, work hard, and trust that effort pays off.” Now at 28, he continues to push forward, with aspirations of one day opening a restaurant while keeping Los Panchos as a beloved food truck in Monett.
Francisco’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and family. His story reminds us that with hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, dreams can become reality—one taco at a time.
🎥 Watch Our Full Interview with Francisco Morales! Get the behind-the-scenes story straight from Francisco himself in our exclusive video interview. Watch it here on our YouTube channel.
