Community Highlights: Meet Wilson Mateo Pichardo of El Tripletazo NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wilson Mateo Pichardo

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Wilson Mateo Pichardo, born in Bayamón to Dominican parents. I began my culinary career unexpectedly. During my second year of university, my friends and I would gather at a restaurant in Cupey, Puerto Rico, owned by the parents of one of my friends. One day, due to a staff shortage, I decided to help in the kitchen. Despite suffering a severe burn, this incident sparked my passion for cooking.

I never thought I would become a chef; it happened by accident. My interest in Puerto Rican cuisine arose when I noticed the lack of authentic boricua flavors in North Carolina, where I now reside. With experience in various types of cuisine, I decided that my seasoning should reflect the roots of my “islita del encanto,” Puerto Rico, especially since many places have lost what it means to be truly Puerto Rican in terms of flavor.

For me, cooking typical Puerto Rican dishes in North Carolina means a lot. Although I felt fear at first, I wanted to offer an authentic experience that would transport people, both Puerto Ricans and non-Puerto Ricans, to the island of enchantment. I don’t have a favorite dish to cook, as I enjoy every creation that comes out of my kitchen.

My family instilled in me respect for cooking, teaching me that every recipe is a starting point for improvement, just as in life, where there is no perfect life or complete recipe. The idea to open El Tripletazo NC came after a bad experience with a partner in another food truck, which motivated me to move forward with my passion for cooking.

The challenges I have faced include economic aspects, as many of my products come from a limited market, and the lack of understanding from some people about the lifestyle that running a food truck entails. However, what I enjoy most is socializing with people, showing the pride I feel for my culture, and the family treatment I offer to my customers, which is a distinctive characteristic of Puerto Ricans.

As advice for those who want to dedicate themselves to gastronomy or open their own food business, I emphasize the importance of passion, perseverance, and love for what you do, as these elements are key to overcoming any obstacle and enjoying the journey.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced in running El Tripletazo NC has been the financial aspect. Many of our products come from a limited market, making it difficult to obtain authentic and high-quality ingredients. Additionally, I have had bad experiences with people who have deceived, stolen from, and underestimated me. These situations affect not only financially but also emotionally, as I put all my effort and passion into this business.

Despite these challenges, I keep moving forward because I love what I do and am committed to offering my customers the best Puerto Rican food possible. Each obstacle has taught me to be more perseverant and to value the support of our community even more.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
El Tripletazo NC is a food truck business specializing in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Founded by Wilson Mateo Pichardo, our goal is to bring the flavors and traditions of Puerto Rico to the Carolinas. We offer a variety of traditional dishes that capture the essence of Boricua cooking, using fresh and high-quality ingredients.

We take pride in being a family-run business that not only serves delicious food but also creates a unique experience for our customers. At El Tripletazo NC, every dish is prepared with love and respect for our roots, transporting our customers to the “islita del encanto” with every bite.

In addition to our passion for cooking, we value community interaction. We love socializing with our customers and making them feel at home, offering not just a meal, but a piece of Puerto Rican culture. Through local events and collaborations, we aim to strengthen the sense of community and share our culinary heritage with everyone.

In summary, El Tripletazo NC is more than a food truck; it’s a piece of Puerto Rico in North Carolina, dedicated to providing an authentic and memorable culinary experience to all our customers.

How do you think about happiness?
Happiness: God, my daughter, and seeing my customers happy and talking to each other even if they don’t know each other.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/eattripletazo
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/eattripletazo
• Twitter: https://x.com/eattripletazo
• Other: https://Streetfoodfinder.com/eatripletazo