University Star

Food trailers, a must on tourists’ to-do lists, have been a big part of the Austin scene. That trend has arrived in San Marcos with The Hitch and newly opened Mimi’s Food Trailers.

Jon White, owner of the Cajun Cruiser, tosses and seasons Cajun fries April 23 for a customer’s shrimp po’ boy combo.

Many of the trailers are family businesses or start-ups of former Texas State students. Kevin “KK” Kneese, who now runs Trade Winds Pizza, took it over from his dad.

“This was kinda thrust upon me, so I had to put a few things on halt,” Kneese, music sophomore, said. “But, how often do you get to run a food trailer? I saw it as an opportunity in the making.”

Ryan Barnett, owner of Pedestrian Café, said after graduation from Texas State he wanted to stay in San Marcos, and saw an opportunity to be an entrepreneur.

“I always wanted to own a café and an airstream (trailer), so it was the perfect combo,” Barnett said. “I also wanted to keep my money local, where something is growing.”

Each trailer has something completely different to offer. At The Hitch, pizza, creative cupcakes and seafood are within a few steps of each other. New food creations range from pizza wontons to frog legs with their own dipping sauce.

At Mimi’s Food Trailers, lunch showcases burgers, globally inspired rice bowls, and s’more PB&Js for desert, just to name a few. New creations, including new trailers, are always emerging.

Cajun Cruiser, which arrived at Mimi’s three weeks ago, is the combination of an architect’s desire to build and cook.

“Here I get the chance to build something that takes weeks, instead of months, to see reactions,” John White, owner of the Cajun Cruiser, said. “I’m always playing around with ingredients. Right now I’m working on a cheesecake appetizer – it’s quite the mind blower.”

The people who visit are as varied as the trailers. A lunch rush can see students, families and professors stop by for inexpensive meals. Some stay open late to accommodate people enjoying the Square.

Owners also show outdoor movies and encourage musicians to play at night. Pedestrian Café was even going to be a location for the KTSW’s MR Fest.

“Being a music major, I know a lot of people looking for gigs. Sometimes I get them to come out here,” Kneese said. “I really want it to be a festival type of thing, where everyone is chilling and having a good time.”

Bryson said he is willing to help local musicians and groups to set up and enjoy being around friends.

“One thing I love about this job is meeting people,” Bryson said. “Its great to meet interesting people and have them come back. This place is like a community, where friends can relax, enjoy the company, and just have a good time.”