When you first step into El Churro Spot, it’s easy to be swept away by the warm, sugary scent of fresh churros, but if you take a moment to look beyond the delicious treats, there’s a bigger story to be told—one of grit, perseverance, and passion. This isn’t just a churro shop; it’s the culmination of Omar Garrido’s lifelong dream of bringing authentic Mexican street food to Omaha.
The story begins back in 2014, during a trip to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. It was in the bustling malls of Juarez that Omar saw Americans lining up for churros. At that moment, a lightbulb went off. “I thought, why don’t we have something like this in Omaha?” Omar recalls. That spark stayed with him for two years, while he worked in the pizza industry, until he finally took the leap and started his own food truck.
From Pizza Maker to Churro Innovator
Omar’s journey to food truck ownership was not a straightforward one. Before he founded El Churro Spot, he had spent years working in restaurants, managing pizza kitchens, and gaining experience in the food industry. But churros? That passion was born from childhood memories of Mexican street vendors and antojitos (Mexican snacks).
“Growing up in California, churros were everywhere—part of everyday life,” Omar shares. But making the leap from pizza to churros wasn’t just about following a craving. It was about creating something that Omaha didn’t yet know it needed.
Growing up in California, churros were everywhere—part of everyday life. ~ Omar Garrido
In 2016, after years of dreaming, Omar finally made the bold decision to start his churro food truck. “I bought the truck and set up the LLC without telling my wife at the time,” Omar admits with a laugh. His wife at the time, understandably, was both nervous and surprised. Yet despite initial hesitation, she threw herself into the project alongside Omar, helping him work 90-hour weeks as they got the business off the ground.
Building a Food Truck Business One Churro at a Time
“It was tough at first. We didn’t have a lot of customers, and I didn’t know anyone in Omaha’s food truck scene,” Omar recalls. The early days of El Churro Spot were grueling. He worked a full-time job during the day and then ran the truck in the evenings, often staying out until 4 a.m. to catch the bar crowd. His wife and daughter would help with orders and running the business, creating a true family operation.
One of the early hurdles was that the churro truck alone wasn’t enough to sustain the business. So, Omar expanded the menu to include tacos, burritos, and other Mexican street food. This move helped diversify his customer base and build repeat customers. “We started with churros, but people kept coming back for the tacos, burritos, and carne asada. It was a natural progression,” Omar explains.
More Than Just Churros: A Full-Service Mexican Menu
A common misconception about El Churro Spot is that it’s only about the churros. While the churros are undeniably a crowd favorite, they represent just a small part of the business. “Honestly, we could be called ‘The Taco Spot’ just as easily,” Omar laughs.
The menu at El Churro Spot is much more than a one-trick pony. From hearty burritos and savory tortas to classic enchiladas and carne asada tacos, customers can order everything they’d expect from a full-service Mexican restaurant. Omar’s focus on fresh, homemade ingredients ensures that each dish, whether savory or sweet, leaves a lasting impression.
Turning Struggles into Strengths
Running a food truck had its own set of challenges. From vehicle breakdowns to unpredictable customer turnout, Omar had to navigate the ups and downs of mobile food service. One of the most significant challenges he faced was establishing a loyal customer base.
“We didn’t have a set location, and at first, I was just driving around hoping people would find us,” Omar explains. However, instead of letting this become a weakness, Omar turned it into an opportunity. By strategically parking his truck near the Old Market, a hub for Omaha’s nightlife, he was able to cater to the late-night bar crowd, a move that significantly boosted business.
“The Old Market crowds were a lifesaver. We would stay out until 4 a.m., and people loved having churros after a night out,” Omar says. Slowly but surely, word of mouth spread and El Churro Spot began to gain a dedicated following.
With the challenges gradually transforming into triumphs, Omar decided it was time to explore further opportunities to expand the reach of El Churro Spot.
The Pivot to Brick-and-Mortar
After a few years of success with the food truck, fate intervened, pushing Omar in a direction he hadn’t originally planned. The kitchen space where he prepped his food truck meals suddenly closed, leaving him scrambling to find a new facility. That’s when the idea of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant came into play.
“I wasn’t planning on opening a restaurant,” Omar confesses. “I just needed a kitchen, but then I found this space, and it made sense to give it a shot.” Thus, the permanent location of El Churro Spot was born.
While the transition to a physical space allowed Omar to offer a broader menu and attract new customers, it also came with its own set of challenges. “With the truck, I could go to the customers. But with the restaurant, you have to wait for them to come to you,” Omar says. Despite these difficulties, Omar stayed true to his commitment to quality, offering fresh, homemade food with the same care and passion that had driven his food truck business.
Keeping the Fire Alive—Daily Challenges and Triumphs
Even now, years after the restaurant opened, Omar continues to face the challenges of being both a food truck operator and a restaurant owner. With two food trucks and a physical location, his days are long and demanding. “Ever since my divorce, it’s been all on me. I handle the emails, the bookings, shopping for supplies, and even run the trucks myself sometimes,” he says.
Omar’s ability to manage both the food trucks and the restaurant speaks to his work ethic and dedication. His team has grown to eight employees, and even his daughter remains involved in the family business. “I’m lucky to have a team that’s flexible and willing to work long hours for events,” Omar says. But finding the right people remains one of his biggest challenges.
Through perseverance and passion, Omar has successfully navigated the complexities of his dual roles, but the journey continues to teach him invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship and resilience.
What’s Next for El Churro Spot?
Looking ahead, Omar has big plans for El Churro Spot. “I’m always keeping an eye out for a better location—one with a drive-thru,” he reveals. His vision includes expanding the menu to feature more traditional Mexican soups like pozole and menudo, as well as expanding the line of natural aguas frescas, which are already a hit with his customers.
Though he’s always thinking about the future, Omar is also keenly aware of the importance of sticking to his roots. “No matter what, I want people to know that El Churro Spot is about doing things the right way—quality food, fresh ingredients, and making sure every customer feels like family,” he says.
As Omar reflects on the past and plans for the future, one thing remains certain: his commitment to delivering an authentic and exceptional dining experience will continue to drive El Churro Spot forward.
A Community Staple
Throughout the ups and downs of his journey, one constant has been Omar’s commitment to giving back to the Omaha community. El Churro Spot participates in local parades, festivals, and charity events, often donating proceeds to causes like Whispering Roots, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to fresh, healthy food.
“It’s important to be a part of the community that supports you,” Omar says. “We’ve had so many people help us along the way, and giving back is our way of saying thank you.”
Omar's dedication to both his business and the community highlights the symbiotic relationship between local enterprises and their neighborhoods.
Leaving a Legacy
As El Churro Spot thrives, Omar reflects on the lessons learned and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. “I want people to remember that we put in the work. We started from nothing, and everything we’ve done is built on hard work and passion,” he shares.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “If you’re passionate about it, just go for it. It’s not easy, and there will be hard times, but if you don’t give up, you can make it happen.”
“If you’re passionate about it, just go for it. It’s not easy, and there will be hard times, but if you don’t give up, you can make it happen.”
In the end, El Churro Spot isn’t just about churros. It’s about community, perseverance, and a dream that started in a mall in Ciudad Juarez and became an Omaha institution.
Image Credits: Craig McPeck/Omaha Food Magazine Interested in discovering other authentic Mexican restaurants in Omaha? Click here to start your taco tour!
