The Bittersweet Farewell of LeRoy and Lewis: A Barbecue Legacy Evolves in Austin

In a bittersweet turn of events, one of Austin's most beloved barbecue trucks, LeRoy and Lewis, is serving its final plates of smoked meats on July 21. The decision, though difficult, will allow the owners to focus on their recently opened restaurant in South Austin, marking a new chapter in their culinary journey.

Savoring the Last Bites of a Barbecue Tradition

The End of an Era at Cosmic Coffee + Beer

The LeRoy and Lewis truck, helmed by chef Evan LeRoy and Sawyer Lewis, has been a fixture at Cosmic Coffee + Beer since 2017, when the space at 121 Pickle Road was just an empty lot awaiting its anchor tenant. For seven years, the truck has captivated the South Austin community with its mouthwatering brisket, burgers, Sichuan beef ribs, and more. But now, the owners have made the difficult decision to shutter the truck and focus on their recently opened restaurant.

A Farewell Celebration and a Glimpse into the Future

On July 21, LeRoy and Lewis will host a "going away party" from 11 a.m. until sold out, offering a final menu of their signature dishes. Customers can savor the last bites of brisket, burgers, Sichuan beef ribs, kale Caesar slaw, and Frito pie before the truck's doors close for good.The owners have shared that this decision will allow them to continue building out their brand and offerings at their new restaurant located at 5621 Emerald Forest Drive. This includes expanding their consumer packaged goods, such as whole flatirons, citra hop sausage, beef cheeks, beef fat tortillas, cornbread mix, pimento spread, bacon-onion dip, L&L pickles, kimchi, and more. The move will also enable them to offer a full grab-and-go section, catering to the evolving needs of their customers.

Reflecting on Memories and Friendships

In a statement to the American-Statesman, Sawyer Lewis expressed the bittersweet emotions surrounding the closure of the truck. "We've made so many incredible memories and friendships over the past seven years at Cosmic, and we are looking forward to celebrating these last couple weeks and are excited to see someone special fill the food truck spot there to serve the South Austin community."

The Changing Landscape of Austin Barbecue

The closure of the LeRoy and Lewis truck is not an isolated event, but rather a reflection of the evolving landscape of the barbecue food truck scene in Austin. The news comes on the heels of the announcement that fellow standout barbecue truck Micklethwait Craft Meats is also closing to move into its own brick-and-mortar location later this year.These closures signal a shift in the barbecue industry, as food truck operators seek to expand their reach and offer a more comprehensive dining experience. The barbecue renaissance in Texas, which began with the opening of the Franklin Barbecue food truck off the I-35 feeder road in 2009, has paved the way for a new generation of barbecue establishments.

The Enduring Legacy of Barbecue Trucks in Austin

While the barbecue truck scene in Austin has shrunk with the departures of notable players like La Barbecue and Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ, it remains a vibrant and dynamic part of the city's culinary landscape. Distant Relatives (at Meanwhile Brewing Co.), the long-running Brown's BBQ (at Corner Bar), Crimson Creek Smokehouse (at Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in Dripping Springs), and the relative newcomer KG BBQ (at Oddwood Brewing on Manor Road) continue to serve some of the best barbecue in town.However, the changing landscape has seen these trucks increasingly partner with brick-and-mortar tenants, offering customers the convenience of beverage service, indoor restrooms, and air-conditioned seating. The days of standalone barbecue trucks proliferating in a city that suffers from oppressively hot summers may be behind us, but the spirit of innovation and dedication to the craft remains.As the LeRoy and Lewis truck prepares to serve its final plates, it marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the beloved barbecue brand. Cosmic Coffee + Beer will soon welcome a new food truck to fill the void, ensuring that the South Austin community continues to be served with the same passion and culinary excellence that have defined the LeRoy and Lewis legacy.