Count on Marshalltown businessman Oscar Sanchez to take advantage of an opportunity.

The entrepreneur saw the former Haven Restaurant building, 12. N. 1st St., was vacant.

It is no longer.

Beginning Tuesday, it will be known as Ay Caramba Restaurant, serving beverages, bowls burritos, pupusas, salads, tacos and more.

Quality, healthy and homemade food served quickly is a Sanchez trademark. He understands the restaurant business – Ay Caramba is his second eatery in Marshalltown.

And he said Ay Caramba food will be different from other restaurants in Marshalltown.

“We will be offering fast, delicious and fresh food,” Sanchez said. “We will cut our own cheese, lettuce and meat, he said.

Speed and variety are emphasized.

“I understand many workers downtown only have 30 minutes to eat,” he said. “Our type of food will work perfectly.”

Pupusas, a popular dish from El Salvador, will be on the menu and served in six varieties.

One of Sanchez’ employees is skilled at making the renown item.

They are similar to corn tortillas, only thicker and stuffed with cheese, beans or meat, Sanchez said. The pupusa originated in El Salvador, but it is also well known in neighboring Honduras. Pupusas are sold hot at small restaurants called pupuseras, where they are always accompanied by a cabbage salad called curtido and a slightly spicy tomato sauce called salsa roja.

Pupusas are traditionally made by slapping the dough back and forth between well greased palms.

The business will deliver, Sanchez said.

Wi-Fi service will be available as well.

Ay Caramba will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.