Gourmet and specialty food trucks have become more popular in recent years. Food truck vendors can share their must-try flavors while finding an easier investment and more flexible schedule, and they are able to go to their customers instead of waiting patiently for them to arrive. Given the benefits of the mobile restaurant, why then did Matt Wigglesworth and Shelton Coleman, owners of Lot 102 in Johnson City, decide to park it?
Shelton had originally brought home the food truck with the idea of utilizing it for volunteer events. Shelton and Matt are members of several of their local organizations, including Friends of LBJ National Park and the Friends of Head Start. When that idea didn't pan out, Matt decided it was time to move the truck, but Shelton was hesitant. What would they need to make it work as a restaurant? A location, a little inspiration, and a chef. Serendipity stepped in.
Shelton had owned the small empty building and extra parking lot at 102 E Avenue G for some time, using it as a storage facility. Shelton and Matt parked the food truck, (it's technically a food trailer), at one side of the extra parking space, filled up the rest with picnic benches, converted the small building into beverage and dessert stations, and added a few more any-weather-friendly, tables inside. To beat the heat outside, Matt and Sheldon erected a huge sailcloth and installed four large fans to create a pleasantly shaded and cross-breezed seating area. When cooler weather comes, the fans will be exchanged for heating lamps.
To beat the heat outside, Matt and Sheldon erected a huge sailcloth and installed four large fans to create a pleasantly shaded and cross-breezed seating area.
Inspiration came from the local wineries, says Matt. "We were on a wine tour, and I thought, what would be great for these people [going on tours] would be a quick to-go meal, but something that's up to par with the wines." It was then that they decided to specialize in "Farm 2 Market Fare" and (mostly) American style food. Considering that Shelton and Matt both grew up in farming families, when the idea struck, they just knew it was right.
Then it was time to find a chef. In Joe Hanus they found just what they were looking for; someone who was as excited about the farm fresh idea as they were and someone with a range of culinary experience. As a bonus, they also found Joe's wife Jessica, who makes some of the prettiest and delicious pies you'll find in the Hill Country.
The menu at Lot 102 is semi-permanent, every thought given to what's in season and available from the farms. Weekly specials have offered lasagna, shrimp and grits, and mufalato just to name a few. Their specialty? "If you serve a good burger, the rest will fall into place." says Matt. The Lot 102 burger is a custom mix of filet and brisket, putting a little country into the classic. Other favorites are the BLT, which features avocado and herb aoili, and the Mac and Cheese... with bacon! Meals are served up in a sturdy cardboard box perfectly ready to go, while still plate-like enough to take a seat and enjoy the atmosphere at Lot 102.
The atmosphere has ended up being Matt's favorite thing, besides the food of course, about his food truck restaurant. "This has all evolved, from the idea to what you see here, over time, and it's still evolving. The atmosphere we've created, we didn't intend it, but it's incredible. People will start out sitting alone, or in their own group, but after a bit they start pushing tables together, until everyone's just...together. It's great to watch."
Shelton and Matt may have just intended to get some use out of their food truck, but they ended up creating genuine food for genuine people. If you only have time for something fast, or if you can spare an hour or two, make your way Lot 102 in Johnson City, where gourmet fast food is served fresh.
