Native American restaurant opens with traditional ceremony
April 9, 2021
The grand opening for Watecha Bowl Express for lunch Friday was filled with the sounds of Native American drumming and singing.
A crowd of friends, family and other hungry customers gathered outside the food truck’s new restaurant at 2305 W. Madison St. to listen to honoring and prayer songs before owner Lawrence West spoke.
“Thanks for coming out everybody. It’s a really special occasion. I’m glad that you guys could be here. It’s really an emotional time. It’s a very big proud moment. I’ve been a lot of places in my life, and I never thought this would be one of them, so it means a lot for me to be standing here with you guys today. This is the start of my future of the rest of our life with my family and my wife, and I’m glad that you came here to be part of it with us today.”
West and his wife, Sophie, then cut the ribbon across the front door while the drum group performed another song.
Everyone gathered inside for a smudging ceremony as West walked around the circle with a bowl of burning sage, using the smoke to purify and bless the people and the place.
After that, the line formed at the Indian taco bar, while the crew in the kitchen made fry bread for each order.
In addition to Indian tacos, the menu features items West has been serving on the food truck, which opened a year ago: the Big Indian Burger, Big Indian Dog, wojapi, fry bread cheese curds and more. Daily specials kicked off Friday with beef or buffalo chislic and a buffalo New York strip, ribeye or spare rib with seasoned rice, candied acorn squash and fry bread.
Watecha Bowl Express is open from noon to midnight daily. Curbside pickup and delivery are available.
There’s no seating inside, but there are a few tables and chairs outside.
The food truck will have a permanent spot beginning May 1 in the parking lot at Gift & Thrift at 10th Street and Bahnson Avenue. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. West said he’s planning to get a smaller catering vehicle to use for events at businesses and apartments this summer that will operate more like an Indian taco stand on wheels.
