Making big plans in a small city

CHENEY - Local businessman Carlos Fuentes is living the American dream in Cheney with two growing businesses and a couple more on the way. The 25-year-old Mexican immigrant runs C&S Automotive at 1902 1st St., Sunshine Auto at 819 1st St. and is weeks away from launching a cab company and new restaurant at the old Willow Springs Station.

The Fuentes family first arrived in the United States 10 years ago when Mexico, "turned into a not so safe place to live anymore," first bouncing from the East Coast, to Spokane, before finally landing Cheney. And it was here, among a warm Eastern Washington community, that they decided to settle in and put down roots. "I love the town," Fuentes said. "Cheney's amazing - small community and everyone's really inviting and helpful."

But making a living in a new country is never easy. When Carlos first arrived, he spoke little English and was forced to make a sharp adjustment to a foreign culture and a new lifestyle. "When starting out, it was a lot of looking for ways to pay the bills. A couple years back I used to work at restaurants here and there; landscaping, anything that came my way."

And in 2019 the hard work paid off when he was able to open C&S Automotive, currently Cheney's only car dealership, and soon followed the venture with an accompanying car detailing service called Sunshine Auto.

In recent months he also purchased the former Willow Springs restaurant at 809 1st St. with the intent of reinventing the eatery for a modern clientele, with a historic twist. He hopes the facility will act a regular meeting place for the local VFW and other charitable organizations. 

And Fuentes isn't done yet. In addition to the restaurant and the automotive shops, a new taxi service geared towards residents unfamiliar with modern transportation apps such as Lift or Uber will soon begin serving the West Plains community. In a few weeks, the distinct blue Monkey Cabs will be seen traversing the streets of Cheney, "climbing their way into town." Rates are anticipated to be equal with competing services.  

But, for Fuentes, the expansion isn't about money, it's about giving back to a community that has given so much to him.

"I was given the opportunity to make a difference and I like to help the people who are struggling," he said.

Partnering with the West Plains Angels, a local non-profit founded by Tony and Amy Blount, Fuentes has helped raised $2,000 for the EWU Pop-Up Pantry, raffled a car for charity, and participated in countless events to benefit the community.

And on Sunday, Aug. 1, that community-oriented spirit will continue with the first ever Northwest Premier Performances & Events Rodeo and Dance. The multifaceted celebration will be comprised of a rodeo, live music, a Covid vaccination clinic, food, and much more.

It will be held at the Bi-Mart Arena on the Cheney Rodeo grounds. Children under 10 enter for free and tickets can be purchased at C&S Automotive for $30.

"The plan is not to stop," said Fuentes. "We want to keep doing things bigger in size as we go. Little things add up eventually."

Scott Davis can be reached at [email protected].