Hays Co. Bar-B-Que Shutters Kyle Food Trailer After Operational Setbacks
TEXAS — One of Central Texas’ most respected barbecue names, Hays Co. Bar-B-Que, has officially closed its Kyle-based food trailer, just months after launching the temporary venture. Known for its signature smoky meats and being a fixture on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list, the move marks another shift in the legacy of a brand that’s long fed the San Marcos community.
Closure Confirmed After Few Short Months
The announcement came on August 1 via a heartfelt social media post from the team, who cited that the Kyle location had become “no longer sustainable.” This food trailer, located at 108 S Front St., Kyle, TX, was originally meant as a stopgap while Hays Co. prepared its new brick-and-mortar location nearby.
Despite the short-lived run, the team expressed gratitude toward the City of Kyle and their loyal customers for supporting the mobile venture. “From day one, they’ve been incredibly supportive and collaborative,” the business wrote, reflecting on their brief yet bustling barbecue service in the city.
What Led to the Shutdown?
Behind the scenes, several regulatory and operational hurdles seem to have accelerated the decision. According to Hays Co. Bar-B-Que, an issue with public seating and restroom availability triggered scrutiny from the Hays County Health Department.
An email complaint about their lack of public restroom access while offering on-site seating flagged a violation of international plumbing codes. Although the team responded swiftly by pulling their tables, the situation highlighted complications in managing shared spaces and maintaining code compliance as a mobile food vendor.
Even after receiving clearance on July 30 to reintroduce seating, Hays Co. emphasized that internal differences on how to move forward — especially when operating alongside other vendors — made it increasingly difficult to continue. “Without alignment on key decisions, including reintroducing our tables, it became clear that continuing operations at this location was no longer sustainable,” the company said.
Legacy and Continued Hopes
While the Kyle trailer is now closed, this isn’t the end for Hays Co. Bar-B-Que. Owner Michael Hernandez has already been eyeing a new permanent location at 505 S. Old Highway 81 in Kyle, right off the I-35 Frontage Road and near downtown.
The original San Marcos location had closed in June 2024 after serving the community since 2007. That building was sold to the Hays County Food Bank, allowing Hernandez the chance to scale down and spend more time with family. But barbecue is still very much in his blood — and the spirit of Hays Co. lives on through these transitions.
In a statement to customers, the team reassured fans that the trailer’s closure was more of a “pause” than a final goodbye:
“It’s simply a pause. A refining. A redirection. We’re holding on to hope, seeking wisdom, and exploring what the next chapter might look like.”
Author’s Take: A Pause, Not a Goodbye
As someone who’s followed the Texas BBQ trail from Austin to Lockhart, Hays Co. Bar-B-Que has always felt like a place where the smoke hits just right and the sides are served with care. Their food trailer in Kyle, though short-lived, carried that same soulful approach. Even in a parking lot, their brisket melted under the fork, and that tangy sauce held up beautifully against the mesquite-smoked meats.
What struck me most about Hays Co. was their openness — not just in how they plated their barbecue, but how they communicated their struggles. Not every closure is a failure; sometimes, it’s a necessary step in refining a vision. I genuinely believe Hays Co.’s next location could be one of their best yet, and I’ll be there opening week with a full tray and a big appetite.
Have memories at Hays Co. Bar-B-Que? Share your favorite meals and thoughts on their upcoming new location in Kyle. Stay tuned to CityScoopNow.com for more updates on barbecue spots and beloved closures across Texas.