MILWAUKEE — Street vendors play an important role in the Hispanic community. They’ve been a part of urban life and the Hispanic community for decades.
It’s how a lot of people make a living in the U.S.
Pedro Rodriguez is a vendor in with Paleteria Yayo. He’s a “paletero,” which means he sells paletas, or popsicles.
Rodriguez said selling popsicles has brought him joy for years.
“Once años tengo aqui con esta Paleteria,” Rodriguez said.
(“I’ve been working at this paleteria for 11 years.")
He said he knew nothing about being a street vendor. When he came to the U.S. from Mexico, he worked for a Chinese restaurant but learned about selling paletas through a friend. He’s been doing the work ever since.
Rodriguez said he’s thankful to have had employment with Palateria Yayo for so long.
The owner Rene Adan also pushed his own paleta cart more than a decade ago.
He said with dreams, ideas and hard work, Paleteria Yayo was born. It’s a family-owned business that he runs with his wife Galy.
At the paleteria, they make all of their popsicles and ice cream by hand.
“Los Hispanos siempre nos crecimos con este cultura de vendedores en la calle,” said Adan. “Trabajano duro y hechandole ganas, pues si se puede. Siempre se puede tener un negocio y vivir bien en los Estados Unidos.”
(“Hispanics have always grown up with street vendors as a part of our culture. With hard work and perseverance, you can do it. You can create a business and live well off in the United States.”)
Adan said they sell more than just paletas, but they bring the nostalgia that’s felt across multiple countries.
“Cuando las personas escuchen las campanas, saben que es un paletero,” Adan said.
("When people hear the bells, they know it’s a paletero.")
While the days are hard under the sun, Rodriguez said the excitement from the community over the years keeps him going. He hopes to continue bringing the sounds, flavors and a taste of his cultures to the area for days to come.