Original Torchy’s Tacos Trailer Is Closing on South First

Torchy’s Tacos, the Austin-born fast-casual taco chain, is closing its original taco trailer on 1311 South First Street. The trailer is going out with a party on its last day, Wednesday, March 7, from 5 to 9 p.m.

While no reason is given for Torchy’s Tacos trailer shutter, the Facebook event announcing the closure including a statement from owner Michael Rypka: “Without the love from the city of Austin, we would never have been able to make these taco dreams come true.”

Eater has reached out for more information; watch this space for updates.

Update, 3:25 p.m: A rep for Torchy’s shared the following statement:

The decision to close our Trailer Park location was not an easy one. Our menu and commitment to food quality has outgrown a food trailer kitchen layout. It’s just part of the pros and cons of growing a brand. We’ll always stay true to our roots, this is just the natural progression of an evolving brand. We are proud of our humble beginnings and will always stay true to running our business with the same entrepreneurial spirit we had in 2006. We currently have 3 other locations in the ’04 (South Congress, South Lamar, and El Paso). We will be opening a nearby new location very soon.

The party marks the return of the taco cannon, which shoots out wrapped tacos. The machine was created for now-defunct music festival Fun Fun Fest in 2012. (Torchy’s wasn’t happy when the festival replaced its tacos with Tamale House the following year, and created their own taco cannon.) There will be free tacos (four of the truck’s original offerings) and green chile queso, along with beer samples, non-boozy drinks, and music. Torchy’s is also donating one dollar to the Texas School for the Deaf for every taco.

Owner Michael Rypka opened the trailer in 2006. Torchy’s quickly grew with brick-and-mortar restaurants across Austin, Texas, and now several states, first to Colorado in 2016

• Thank You Austin! [Facebook]
• All Coverage of Torchy’s Tacos [EATX]