A food truck is often a brick-and-mortar restaurant’s way of taking its best offerings to a wider audience. The origin story of Paco’s Taco Express, 312 Derby St., is just the opposite. After nearly 15 years of dishing up authentic Mexican favorites from a food truck, owner Dena Fuller decided it was time to put down some roots. The taqueria she opened last July stands as a testament to her faith, her family, and her passion for giving.

“I’ve always heard people say, ‘If you have a restaurant and try to go into a food truck, it’s way too hard,’” Fuller said. “But if you go from a food truck into a restaurant, it’s easy sailing.” “Easy” may be an overstatement, but Fuller said strong community support so far has made the transition go smoothly.

The enterprise was born in 2009 in a $50 tent selling elote — a Mexican dish of roasted sweet corn, lime, butter, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and cayenne. Fuller said no one knew what it was, so they had to give away free samples. By the second year, people were lining up and coming back for more.

Her take on street tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadillas, and other Mexican fare has been a breath of fresh air in an often underrated and overlooked neighborhood. She saw the potential, and the people who matter most in her life — her grandmother, mother and four children — encouraged and supported her childhood dream of owning a restaurant.

The June to October food truck season will still see Paco’s Tacos at fairs and festivals from Manito and the Knox County Fair to Fairbury, Canton, and the Spoon River Drive. Fuller said she has not lost her love for the food truck, but sees some definite advantages to staying put.

“From setting up every single weekend, when we have to pull a trailer and level it and set up a commercial kitchen — believe it or not, a restaurant is a lot easier,” she said. “Plus, I get to talk to people in the restaurant. When you’re out there at fairs and festivals, it’s very fast-paced. With the restaurant I’m always there to meet new people and spend time with them.”

That connection with people and a desire to give back to the community led to one of the restaurant’s more unique features: the Pay-It-Forward Board. Customers can purchase a $5 gift card and stick it up on a board under the heading, “Someone Blessed You.” Then, if someone comes in and is hungry, they can take one of the cards and redeem it for one of five full meals. No questions asked.

“Churches support it, the community supports it. My own children will take the money that they’ve earned and purchase those cards,” she said. On Thankful Thursdays, she adds an additional card for every card purchased.

“I love people, and I love to give,” Fuller added. “I can honestly say that, through the power of prayer and God, I’ve made this restaurant. Dreams come true through giving.”

Fuller said Derby Street is the right location, even though naysayers thought it was a mistake. “Deby Street needed something new,” she said. “I tend to look at the positive things, and I surround myself with good, positive people…my church family, my family, and my friends.”

Fuller’s love for traditional food was born while growing up on an Air Force base in Miami. She also learned the importance of faith, family, and hard work. In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Fuller earned a master’s degree in psychology in 2025 and somehow finds time to provide professional counseling. Her goal is to be a prison counselor. She is also an associate pastor at River of Life Church, just down the street at 246 Derby St.

“There are a lot of great Mexican restaurants in Pekin, but what sets us apart is that we are a taqueria,” Fuller said. By definition, a taqueria specializes in tacos, with quick service, and fresh, simple ingredients. All of it and more is on the menu at Paco’s Taco Express.

Tuesdays are special. On Taco Tuesday, tacos are just one dollar all day long (up to three per customer). On Nacho Friday, customers can choose any nachos from Super to Grande plus a drink for just $7.77. Fuller and her brother are now promoting a catering service, so the unique tastes of Paco’s Tacos can be part of social events, office parties, receptions, birthday celebrations, and other special occasions.

“People are coming in and tasting the food,” Fuller said. “The atmosphere is so peaceful and exciting and fun. You can either sit down or take out. Whatever you want to do, we’re there to accommodate.”

Watch for the Paco’s Taco Express truck again starting in June. In the meantime, Paco’s Taco Express is open from 10am to 8pm Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Explore the full menu at www.facebook.com/pacostacoexpress/ or on DoorDash.