Monday, August 24, 2015 | The University Star | 3
LIFESTYLE
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FOOD
New gourmet doughnut trailer arrives in town By Mariah Simank LIFESTYLE EDITOR @MariahSimank
After 20 years in the restaurant industry, one Kyle resident is looking to change up breakfast in San Marcos. Brandon Alarcon, owner and operator of Donut 911, said he started the food truck, that now sits on N. Guadalupe Street, two months ago with a desire to reinvent the popular breakfast treat. Customers have the option to create their own type of doughnut, choosing their own toppings and fillings, Alarcon said. Alarcon said most of the feedback he has received so far has been positive. “Out of the hundreds and hundreds of people, I think there has only been two or
three that don’t like them and it is because it’s just not the same kind of doughnut they are used to,” Alarcon said. “Many people expect to get a lighter, sugary doughnut and that’s not really what I’m going for.” Carl Furry, San Marcos resident, said he was excited to see some activity in the lot after watching it sit dormant for almost two years. “A lot of the trailers moved over to The Hitch and the rest went out of business, and then there was nothing here for a long time,” Furry said. “Then a couple new trailers started to pop up, and it’s perfect timing that he is there because school is in and people love doughnuts.” Alarcon said he has always wanted to start a bakery of his own.
“I figured everybody loves doughnuts and I wanted to do what I could to make them a lot better than the average doughnut shop,” Alarcon said. “I figured no one else is doing anything like this except for Gourdough’s in Austin, so why not give it a shot?” Most of the truck’s customers come looking for breakfast later in the morning or a quick dessert right after lunch, Alarcon said. “I’m usually busy from about 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” Alarcon said. “I tried to open up early in the morning, but nobody was coming. So I decided to make the hours later since most students don’t get up until around 8 or 9 a.m.” Alarcon said business was slow during the summer, but the amount of customers has
slowly started to pick up as students return to campus. “It has been kind of slow because there aren’t many students here during the summer, but I already have a lot of regular customers and followers online,” Alarcon said. “I would say we are currently serving anywhere from six to eight dozen doughnuts a day, and on days that I cater an event I would say we serve about 18 dozen.” Alarcon said he expects the truck’s location will draw in a steady flow of students now that school is in session. “We are only a couple blocks from campus, so I’m hoping to get all the freshmen walking to class and I plan to start opening late on Friday and Saturday nights to get the bar crowds as well,” Alarcon said.
Niko Valvez, Donut 911 employee, said working out of a smaller space has allowed the truck to get more creative with their offerings. “I think having a food truck is really unique and allows us to do more specials and try new things out,” Valvez said. “People usually love the doughnuts and we don’t ever have many complaints.” Alarcon said the truck serves a full breakfast. “We do things like French toast and homemade pancakes, but everything else is pretty much done on the doughnut bun,” Alarcon said. “It seems like the favorite now is the bacon, egg and cheese and the sausage, egg and cheese.” Alarcon said his first customers of the day are oftentimes first responders
from the firehouse across the street. “I’m usually there at about 4:30 a.m. and I usually have some stuff set up by 6 a.m., so I told the first responders that if they need something they can come knock on the door or window and I will take care of them,” Alarcon said. “All of them get half off as well.” Alarcon said he hopes to explore other food trailer options after Donut 911 is established in the community. “I don’t know if I would ever commit to a full restaurant because the price of rent is high in San Marcos, but if this food trailer really takes off I’ve got a couple ideas for some other trailers with different food—possibly even in different cities,” Alarcon said.
RECREATION
Top 5 best hiking spots in San Marcos By Denise Cervantes LIFESTYLE REPORTER @cervantesdenise
San Marcos is home to many hiking trails that allow students to enjoy the city’s natural beauty while getting their cardio on. Although the heat can be a powerful deterrent for many people during the summer, there are plenty of trails in the area providing enough shade to keep you going.
Ringtail Ridge Natural Area
Although the Ringtail Ridge Natural Area is smaller than most trails, the 40 acres provide plenty of room for beginners. Ringtail Ridge also allows dogs as long as they are leashed. Janis Martinez, San Marcos resident, said the trail is two miles long and primarily designed for mountain biking. Martinez said the trail offers picturesque views and an
abundance of shade. “I like it for a good run,” Martinez said. “It is shorter than some trails, but there’s a ridge loop that makes it feel like you get a good workout in.” According to the San Marcos Green Belt Alliance, Ringtail Ridge was previously home to an animal slaughterhouse. Years later, Martinez said runners are still finding fossils. “I have seen bones,” Martinez said. “I see them everywhere, but I didn’t know why. I guess that’s also a little interesting.”
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
The 570 acres of intertwining trails at Purgatory Creek instantly make it a crowd favorite. According to the San Marcos Green Belt Alliance website, the complex is split into three different parks.
Spring Lake Natural Area
The first trail is 3 miles long and winds through Prospect Park. The park, which is 9 acres, also includes a karst cave. “It’s huge,” said Jessica Cruz, English freshman . “It’s my first time here, and I probably would have gotten lost without the map and my roommate.” Hikers can also check out Lower Purgatory, which eventually leads into Dante’s Trail. Cruz said the trail has more gravel for those who wish to go biking or hiking in addition to experiencing incredible views. “I think the best part is the view,” Cruz said. “It makes you feel relaxed and like you’re somewhere else.” Cruz said Purgatory’s trails are great for new and returning students to visit. “I would tell other to people to come and jog or bike around here,” Cruz said. “It’s a must to come and see it at least once.”
The San Marcos Spring Lake Natural Area is home to 251 acres of parkland, making it the perfect place for a long hike or short run. The park is home to five endangered species and supports natural-surface trails as a result, according to the San Marcos Green Belt Alliance website. Mekalah Anderson, computer science sophomore, said the trails are a great way to work out any time of the year. “I come for fresh air and to just get some sun,” Anderson said. “It’s really pretty even when it is hot. That’s why I like coming when the sun is about to go down.” Anderson said the site was originally used for ranching and hunting, but is now home to an abundance of woodlands and meadows. Anderson said the best part of the hike is visiting
the San Marcos Springs and Spring Lake. “The creeks are nice,” Anderson said. “It’s also never crowded, and everyone here is friendly. I try to stop by every now and then when I get the chance.”
Blanco Shoals
Blanco Shoals is home to 81 acres of nothing but hiking trails. Erick Watson, San Marcos resident, said the park is specifically designed to provide the best hiking in the area. “It’s kind of hard to understand if you aren’t a hiker,” Watson said. “A normal gravel trail isn’t the same, so I come here.” The Holt family donated the park in 2002 and asked for the land to remain natural, according to the San Marcos Green Belt Alliance website Watson said most of the trails were designed for people to take a quick hike while being surrounded by nature.
San Marcos River Walk Trail
The San Marcos River Walk Trail conveniently runs across the San Marcos River, making it the perfect path for those looking to cool down after their visit. The track comes out to three miles if it is started at the City Park Pavilion, according to the San Marcos Runners Club website. Aaron Erikson, San Marcos resident, said the trail may not provide the same view of nature as other trails around town, but it does offer an easy way to exercise before floating or swimming in the river. “I don’t come here a lot, but I like that it is by the river,” Erikson said “I usually come just for a quick run. If we decide to come to the river, I like to come get some cardio in before.”
PRESLIE COX MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Spring Lake Natural Area is home to 251 acres of parkland as well as five endangered species, and supports natural-surface trails.
PRESLIE COX MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Purgatory Creek is home to 570 acres of trails and is considered a crowd favorite.
LBJ
Distinguished Lecture Series Bridged Through Stories
Texas State University welcomes
Robert Rodriguez screenwriter/director/producer
September 16, 2015 7 p.m. Evans Auditorium Free and open to the public
15-522 8-15
| Texas State University is a tobacco-free campus. This information is available in alternate format upon request from the Office of Disability Services. If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact Honors College at 512.245.2266 at least 72 hours in advance of the event.