Hector's Tacos

Hector’s transforms an existing building in Olympia, Washington into a vibrant quick-service Tex-Mex comfort food destination. Completed as an adaptive reuse project, the restaurant brings a casual, high-energy dining experience to Southwest Washington, rooted in the flavors, warmth, and no-fuss spirit of classic Texas Tex-Mex restaurants.

The architecture expands the potential of the existing structure through a series of indoor-outdoor gathering spaces. A new rooftop deck and bar activate the building from above, creating an elevated social space with a distinct energy and broader connection to the neighborhood. At grade, ample covered patios and outdoor seating extend the restaurant experience beyond the building envelope, offering flexible places to dine, meet, and linger in Olympia’s changing weather.

The service model remains quick, casual, and approachable. Walk-up order windows establish a clear and easy point of arrival, while the layout supports both dine-in and takeout with efficient circulation, convenient pickup, and informal food service. Tacos are individually wrapped, nothing is formally plated, and the space is designed for everything from a quick lunch before work to a relaxed evening with friends.

The completed environment is durable, colorful, and full of personality. Bold signage, warm materials, lively lighting, and casual furnishings create a setting that feels upbeat without being overdesigned. The design draws from the comfort and familiarity of Texas Tex-Mex restaurants while translating that spirit into a Pacific Northwest context through covered outdoor rooms, all-weather seating, and layered social spaces.

Rather than simply occupying an existing building, Hector’s reimagines it as a neighborhood destination with multiple ways to gather: at the walk-up windows, under the covered patios, inside the casual dining areas, or upstairs at the rooftop bar. The result is a quick-service restaurant with the heart of a community hangout — a place where the team brings the energy, the space brings the vibes, and the food brings the love.

Interior Design: Sparrow Design Company

Photography: Poppi Photography