Saturday Morning Profile: The Taco Stand
Taco Stand: An Essential Component of Bend Culture
By Hunter Pierpont, Guest Writer, 4-14-07
On a recent sunny morning in Central Oregon, the smell of beans cooking from inside the Taco Stand carried across Hill Street and for several blocks beyond. Even at 8 a.m., the aroma had the power to make passer bys crave a massive burrito or spicy enchilada. It’s the norm for this small Mexican restaurant that has become a local’s favorite over the years. And when it comes to home cooked, inexpensive Mexican food, there are few better places in town than the Taco Stand.
Although the restaurant may be off the beaten path, located on the little traveled Hill Street, those who have discovered the Taco Stand often become cult-like followers. It’s often the restaurant of choice for ravenously hungry folk coming down from a day of riding at Mt. Bachelor. It also brings in people who wear suits to work, high school students, hardworking blue-collar people and even those with no jobs at all.
“The Taco Stand is the best,“ said Bend local Jesse Hileman. “Definitely an all-time favorite.”
When it comes to eating at the Taco Stand, check out the daily specials. They are, of course, made fresh and are very wallet friendly. If it’s a burrito you’re after, try getting it served up enchilada style. The extra juices make the meal.
Gene Fitzsimmons, the owner of the Taco Stand, is the man behind the grill. He cooks the meals. He runs the show.
Fitzsimmons, 49, has lived in Bend for 14 years. He has two children, Weston, 15 and Krysten, a 20-year-old college student. Krysten attends Montana State University and Weston attends Summit High School in Bend.
Accompanying Fitzsimmons at work is his wife of 24 years, Laurie. The couple met when they lived in New Jersey several decades ago.
Fitzsimmons first visited Bend in 1985, and then vacationed here every year after until he moved here in 1994.
“I felt trapped. There was no getting ahead,” he said of life on the East Coast. “Out here, I am able to do the things I want to do.”
Indeed. And Central Oregon is all the better for it.
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