Eat local, visit Taco Wapo

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“When I see people happy when they’re eating their food, then I’m happy,” owner Sargio Morales said. (Tilly Marlatt/ The DePauw)

Taco Wapo is bringing a twist to Greencastle’s selection of Mexican-style cuisine.

“It’s like Greencastle’s version of Chipotle,” said senior Maddie Harms.

Students won’t have to travel far from campus to satisfy their cravings. Taco Wapo resides in the former Anthony’s Pizzeria. The restaurant offers customers the option to build their own bowl, burrito, nachos, salad or quesadilla from a variety of toppings.

“We make everything in house,” said owner Sergio Morales. “The beans, guacamole, the meat; I make everything in this kitchen every morning.”

Morales has always dreamt of opening his own business, but Taco Wapo is about more than fulfilling a dream– it’s about serving the Greencastle community.

“I’ve lived here for eight years. I love this community. My kids grew up in this town; they have friends here,” Morales said. “I wanted to do something nice for Greencastle.”

Students found this enticing. “It’s nice to support a local business and local family,” Harms said.

Senior Josh Selke agreed.  “The more we support local [businesses], the more other [businesses] might pop up,” said Selke.

Operating Taco Wapo is a family effort. The staff includes Morales, his wife, his nephew and another chef. He said he enjoys working closely with members of his family.  

Morales credits his wife for developing the name.   “Wapo means hands on, so it’s Taco Wapo,” Morales said. “Yesterday we sold 150 burritos, that’s why we like to call it the burrito factory.”

From the menu to his favorite soft drink, Jarritos, residing in the cooler to the left of the counter, Morales’ mark is visible throughout the restaurant. Morales said if his wife allowed him, he would drink one Jarritos daily.

“I always recommend orange,” Morales said. “It’s my son’s favorite, too. When you’re drinking it, it’s like you’re drinking an orange.”

Taco Wapo is located at 306 E. Washington St., Greencastle, and is open Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.