It's rare that we visit a restaurant on the first day they've opened.

We much prefer to give the staff and management a few months to sort things out, shed the inevitable kinks and get the machine running smoothly.

But we have no way of knowing today is the first day of business for Gary Figueroa's little food cart; G's 183 Pit Stop on the side of US 183 just south of the Hwy 71 Interchange.

We're on our way back from a taco run to Pilot Knob to visit Taqueria El Chanclas and sup on their divine Mexican soul food when we spot a shiny new trailer all tricked out in the colors of the University of Texas Longhorns.

With no way of knowing what they're serving we make our way off the highway and wheel into a parking spot.

The menu is tiny and runs towards tacos and menudo. We're full up on both so we decide to give the burgers a go.

Good call.

Owner Gary Figueroa started cooking when he was 16 years old. Although he's earned his living the last 20 years as a FedEx employee he always wanted to be a professional cook, hence his food cart operation.

Better late than never.

This hamburger is very good. A skilled hand has been responsible for its preparation. The meat is juicy, nobody rode the patty with a heavy spatula. It's well seasoned and garnished appropriately with mayo, mustard, pickles and onions.

All four sides of the buns have been griddled.

At $4.50 usury is not G's 183 Pit Stop's business model.

Would that all restaurants operated in this manner.

I inquire as to what it takes to get a food cart up and running in Travis County Texas these days and Figueroa smiles.

A lot.

The old days of filling out a form or two and turning the key on your operation are long gone.

When I inquire as to how long it took him to make his dream a reality once he hunkered down he replied "one year".

Even a small operation like G's 183 Pit Stop is a serious commitment of time, energy and effort.

While the business finds its legs, Gary Figueroa plans on opening on weekends only. As the business evolves he'll be looking to hire a man to run it through the week.

Let's hope he hires someone that pays as close attention to the small details as he does cause this man can really cook.

512-567-2902

Hours of operation

7am til

Sat-Sun

Call ahead because these hours are certain to change

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