SPRINGFIELD – Canta Gallo food truck opened in April with the intention of serving Western Massachusetts residents’ homemade Hispanic cuisine.

Owner Denise Reyes said that she loves to cook and has a history in fine dining, which inspired her to start her business.

“I’ve been cooking since I was very young with my grandmother and I learned a lot from her and I was really inspired in the way that she would come up with her unique dishes,” said Reyes. “It’s always been my dream to have my own place and I started with a food truck and I feel like, eventually, I know that I’ll be able to do my own restaurant also.”

Canta Gallo serves a variety of Puerto Rican, Dominican and Mexican food. Some days, they feature vegan and vegetarian options, and they also post daily specials on their Facebook page.

“It’s not the typical comfort foods, it’s more fine dining style because I did go to Culinary Arts School and I did work in New York prior to being here in Massachusetts and all I did was fine dining. I try to incorporate that with the Hispanic cuisine,” said Reyes.

Canta Gallo doesn’t have a permanent location, but rather moves the truck around to different areas, mainly in Springfield. Reyes said that she always posts where they will be located on their Facebook.

Since their opening, Reyes said that business has been promising.

“It’s been going good. I can’t complain. For the little bit of time that we’ve been operating, we are getting a lot of people,” she said.

Reyes said that her food is always fresh, high quality and not something you will find elsewhere in the area.

“When I did fine dining, I was always taught to feed whoever I’m cooking for the way that I would like to be fed. So I get the best quality and products, the freshest that it can be. I do not precook anything, everything is made to order and I balance and pair the spices with the meats and the starch that I serve it with… it just all balances well,” she said.

Canta Gallo’s hours of operations are Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. depending on their location. Reyes said that she is open to catering private events or parties with no more than 50 people.

Those interested in learning more about Canta Gallo are encouraged to visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/denise.lugo.7792.

With COVID-19 restrictions lifting and more people out and about, Reyes said she is looking forward to serving more people her cuisine.

“I’m excited to be able to get the opportunity to serve the community, have them experience the type of food that I serve and to be able to go to more places so people can get to know my food,” she said.