barbecue caper

Austin barbecue truck reopens after trailer theft and recovery

Roy Lotz thanks his community for support in restarting his business after his food truck was stolen.

Photo courtesy of KVUE

The owner of an Austin barbecue food truck got a fresh start on Saturday, May 17.

The day after Christmas last year, two men stole Lotz of BBQ owner Roy Lotz’s food trailer from the Ghostline Kitchens parking lot on Comsouth Drive. The trailer was later recovered at a home in Elgin.

Lotz worked hard for a decade to save enough money to open his food truck – it was his dream.

After the trailer was recovered, it had been stripped of its black vinyl wrap reading “Lotz of BBQ” and had no license plate. There was also damage to the inside, including the refrigerator, warmers and oven. A few days before the food truck was stolen, someone also stole two generators from Lotz.

Now, with help from the community, he has a new trailer.

In January Lotz said someone messaged him with information about the trailer's location. He immediately passed the information on to Austin police.

Austin police said they got an anonymous tip about where the stolen trailer was. Two men were caught on surveillance video casing the parking lot before returning in a green truck, hitching the trailer and driving off.

A GoFundMe to support Lotz and his family as they try to get back on their feet has raised more than $39,000.

Lotz, who is deaf, hosted a community cookout at the Austin Deaf Club as a thank you.

Read the full story at KVUE.com. This version contains additional context from an earlier story story by KVUE about how the trailer was found.

Taking the High Road

Austin bar team opens indulgent deli with house sausages and cocktails

Photo by Taylor Hannan

High Road DelicaTexan offers huge sandwiches and fancy cocktails.

The Cavalier, a well-loved East Austin bar and greasy spoon, is branching out with a meaty new restaurant in Bouldin Creek. High Road DelicaTexan opens Friday, December 12, at 915 W. Mary St. The concept combines a cafe with a cocktail bar and market for house-made sausages, cured meats and more.

This is the work of Chef Russell Dougherty (of the Little Darlin'), salumist Ryan Wilson (part of the Burt’s Meat Market family in Houston, experience at Franklin Barbecue), and beverage director Chadwick Leger, plus the creative operating team at The Cavalier. Similar to the East Austin space, this new concept focuses on community — and while that tends to be a buzzword for new restaurants, this team has shown how it can bring together a neighborhood.

Sourcing is a defining element of High Road, with elements that will "largely" come from Texas vendors, according to a press release. The menu will show off sustainably sourced proteins and dairy, premium espresso from the local Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors, seasonal pickles, artisanal sodas, and more.

The menu covers everything from breakfast to a nightcap: check out sausages like andouille and a brisket hot dog; sandwiches like the Sopprestracc with soppressata, stracciatella cheese, mortadella, giardiniera, and basil lemon cream cheese on ciabatta; and twists on classic breakfast items like Burt’s Boudain Waffles with fermented fresno whipped butter and maple syrup.

On the beverage side, guests can expect various teas, alternative milks, and organic syrups, plus signature cocktails. The Dilly Dilly Swag Martini mixes olive-oil washed Ketel One vodka with dill vermouth, pickle juice, and chive-herb oil; and frozen drinks punch up Big Red soda and a classic Irish coffee. The bar will also serve some non-alcoholic options.

Finally, the market allows guests to take some specialty items home. Along with the meats and pickles, that could mean seasonal spice blends, sauces, wine, and apparel.

High Road is open Sundays through Wednesdays from 8 am to 10 pm, and Thursdays through Saturdays from 8 am to midnight.

openings cocktails barbecue wine deli sandwiches