The Bittersweet Farewell: LeRoy & Lewis Food Truck Closes, But a New Chapter Begins

In a bittersweet turn of events, the acclaimed Austin new-school barbecue restaurant LeRoy & Lewis is bidding farewell to its beloved South Austin food truck. After three years of serving up mouthwatering smoked meats and innovative dishes, the team behind this culinary gem has decided to shift their focus to their thriving brick-and-mortar restaurant, ushering in a new era for the beloved brand.

Savoring the Last Bites: A Farewell Celebration at LeRoy & Lewis Food Truck

The End of an Era: Closing the Dawson Neighborhood Food Truck

The LeRoy & Lewis food truck, which has been a fixture at Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden on Pickle Road, will be serving its final customers on Sunday, July 21. This decision comes as the restaurant's co-owners, pitmaster Evan LeRoy, Sawyer Lewis, Nathan Lewis, and Lindsey LeRoy, have set their sights on expanding their culinary empire with a focus on their physical restaurant location in the Garrison Park neighborhood.

A Bittersweet Goodbye: Celebrating the Food Truck's Legacy

When the LeRoy & Lewis team first opened the food truck in March 2017, their goal was to eventually establish a permanent restaurant. The truck's success, which earned it the title of Eater Austin's best food truck of the year, was a testament to the team's culinary prowess and their ability to captivate the hearts and taste buds of the local community. The temporary closure and subsequent reopening of the truck earlier this year was a prelude to the team's decision to shift their attention fully to the restaurant.

A Farewell Feast: One Last Hurrah at the Food Truck

On the final day of operation, the LeRoy & Lewis food truck will host a celebratory event starting at 11 a.m. until all the food is sold out. Customers can look forward to a limited menu featuring the team's signature dishes, including brisket, burgers, Sichuan beef ribs, kale Caesar salad, and Frito pies. The team is also encouraging patrons to write farewell notes to the beloved food truck, creating a poignant and memorable sendoff.

A New Culinary Landscape: Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden Seeks a Replacement

With the impending closure of the LeRoy & Lewis food truck, the team at Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden will be on the lookout for a new food truck to take over the coveted spot. The cafe, bar, and beer garden is home to other popular food trucks, such as taco truck Pueblo Viejo and chicken wing truck Tommy Want Wingy, ensuring that the culinary landscape at the venue remains vibrant and diverse.

Expanding the LeRoy & Lewis Brand: Focusing on Packaged Foods and Retail

As the LeRoy & Lewis team shifts their focus to the restaurant, they are also planning to expand their product offerings. The team will be dedicating their efforts to creating a range of packaged foods and expanding the grab-and-go retail section at the restaurant. This includes items like flat iron steaks, citra hop sausages, beef cheeks, beef-fat tortillas, cornbread mix, pimento spread, bacon-onion dip, pickles, and kimchi, among other delectable offerings.

A Culinary Legacy Continues: Pitmaster Evan LeRoy's Upcoming Cookbook

In addition to the changes at the food truck and the restaurant, pitmaster Evan LeRoy is also working on a new project – a cookbook titled "New School Barbecue." Slated for publication in 2026, this highly anticipated book will showcase LeRoy's expertise and innovative approach to the art of barbecue, further cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in the industry.

The Evolving Barbecue Landscape: Micklethwait Craft Meats Food Truck Closure

The closure of the LeRoy & Lewis food truck is not the only significant change in the Austin barbecue scene. Central East Austin's Micklethwait Craft Meats food truck will also be shutting down, as owner and pitmaster Tom Micklethwait plans to transform it into a physical restaurant in the East MLK neighborhood in the early winter of 2024.As the curtain falls on the LeRoy & Lewis food truck era, the team's unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and their desire to expand their reach have paved the way for a new chapter in their story. While the community will undoubtedly miss the familiar sight of the food truck, the promise of an enhanced dining experience at the Garrison Park restaurant, coupled with the exciting new product offerings, ensures that the LeRoy & Lewis legacy will continue to thrive and evolve, leaving an indelible mark on the vibrant culinary landscape of Austin.