by OLIVIA WATSON
Special to the Hays Free Press
Food trailers have become a staple of Austin culture, and slowly but surely they’re popping up in surrounding areas. Though Buda is known for its small-town feel with charming shops and locally owned restaurants, one Buda native is unhitching his trailer and hopping on the food truck bandwagon.
Archie Montemayor is a 26-year-old accounting firm manager by day, professional paintball player on weekends and as of October, the proud owner of Tako Taco food trailer. The silver bullet trailer specializes in an array of taco options and sides, from grilled fish smothered in a creamy Aioli sauce and garnished with shredded cabbage to spicy chorizo topped with sliced avocado and cheddar cheese.
While living in Buda, Montemayor frequently drove home from work thinking the city needed a healthier fast food option than a nearby Sonic. “I like to eat healthy and rarely eat fast food, and I like to support locally owned restaurants and businesses,” he says. “I thought it would be cool if someone would adopt the trailer concept in Buda.” Weeks later, he decided he would give it a shot.
Though the name Tako Taco developed later, the idea to serve Mexican food was rearing to go from the start. Aside from the obvious popularity of Mexican food in Texas, Montemayor says, “It was common for my family to cook Mexican food so it just made sense to do something I’m already familiar with.”
With the help of his mother Nelda, a Hays County resident and co-owner of Buda’s Red Door in downtown Buda, the two created homemade salsa, guacamole, cheese-pepper and taco recipes.
Crafting a unique menu while keeping true to his love for fresh food options, Montemayor strived to use mostly organic food items. “I like to eat organic food when I’m at home and really wouldn’t have it any other way for my food trailer.” Montemayor says. “Very few items on our menu are not organic.”
Tako Taco cook James Galvan adds, “There’s definitely a different taste in organic, and as far as produce items, we try to buy local.”
Organic appeal aside, the trailer has attracted daily visitors and even resident “regulars.” Galvan says he has four to five people who stop by frequently, with the stand’s No. 1 supporter being Tako Taco neighbor Larry Chapman.
“I go almost every day, and I just walk up and say, ‘the usual,’ and James knows exactly what I like,” says Chapman. “I’ve tried almost everything on the menu, and it’s all good.”
With eight taco recipes to choose from and numerous made-to-order variations, it seems one ever-popular taco stands above the rest. “I would say the breakfast tacos are the most popular item on our menu, but saying what combination of items would be tough. Probably bacon, egg and cheese,” says Montemayor.
Taco prices range from $1.50 to $3. Given that the trailer rests along FM 1626, morning rush hour brings in a handful of hungry patrons. A fan of the popular breakfast item, Tricia Kertz stops by on Monday mornings. “The only thing I’ve ever eaten is a breakfast egg, potato, bacon and cheese,” she says. “I get it every time.”
Whether making a quick dash from the car or dining at a picnic table next to the large oak wrapped in white Christmas lights, this airstream trailer is happily serving loyal customers while adding some spice to the city of Buda.
Tako Taco, 101A Jerrys Lane
