TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2017 VOLUME 106 ISSUE 21 www.UniversityStar.com
“EXXON TACOS” – SAN MARCOS’ HIDDEN GEM Bobcat Quickie becomes popular By Trista Castillo Lifestyle Reporter @tristaaaaa Bobcat Quickie, a kitchen in a local gas station, has become some students’ favorite spot for satisfying late night cravings with “Exxon Tacos.” The 24-hour taco shop located in an Exxon gas station on Guadalupe Street has gained fame due to its exclusiveness and proximity to campus. However, what sets these tacos apart from the rest? Feras Abuhweij, manager of Bobcat Quickie, said the owners took a completely different approach when starting up the gas station. “At first, we started selling burgers and sub sandwiches and we actually had a chef that worked inside, but she moved away,” Abuhweij said. “So, we were kind of scrambling to find someone new and that’s when we hired our current chef Niko.” The small taco shop has been serving locals for five years. Abuhweij said the high quality service and fresh ingredients has set the establishment apart from other taco vendors
Bobcat Quickie tacos have become a late-night staple for Texas State students. PHOTO BY MELISSA UECKERT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
in town. “We are starting with vegetables and we are cooking it down to a sauce,” Abuhweij said. “We are doing things our way and our own style and I think that’s the reason people like it so much.” Abuhweij said a majority of customers and college students visit Bobcat
Quickie to get a late night taco fix. “We honestly get a really big late night rush,” Abuhweij said. “Around 2 a.m. is probably when we get the most people.” Savannah Aguilera, fashion merchandising junior, said Bobcat Quickie’s looks can be deceiving. “Exxon tacos are different in the way
they don’t taste like plastic and their tortillas are always well cooked,” Aguilera said. “It’s like you’re eating tacos from an actual restaurant instead of a convenience store.”
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Professor returns from Italy after research By Katie Burrell News Reporter @KatieNicole96 Dr. Joellen Coryell, associate professor in the College of Education at Texas State, has returned to the university for the spring semester after completing her research on cross-cultural and adult education in conjunction with faculty from the University of Padova. Texas State University and the Uni-
deciding to create a collaboration between the schools. “We looked at different types of learning methods, teaching methods,” Coryell said. “We looked at formal and informal processes for learning and teaching internationally diverse students. Additionally, Coryell said the research focused on ways faculty prepare to teach international students. Coryell said she looked at the use of
“If I hadn’t gone on the trip I would not have become so interested in other topics outside of my normal coursework, adult education is sort of a personal interest now.” - Brittany Davis versity of Padova, located in northern Italy’s Veneto region, signed a memorandum of understanding in effort to conduct collaborative scientific research on cross-cultural education, graduate and adult education. Coryell has spent over two years traveling between Padova and San Marcos. The partnership began between Coryell and Professor Monica Fedeli from the University of Padova. The partners had previously met at a conference before
learning contracts, interactive lecturing methods and a cross-national study on learning as an adult in a different culture. The overall goal of the research was to look at the current methods used in adult learning, measure the qualitative benefits of cross-cultural experiences and see what other methods can be applied.
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TEXTBOOK 101 PAGE 3 ACADEMICS
Aqua Brew opened to the public March 2016 but is still undergoing construction to add an outdoor bar and stage. PHOTO BY BRANDON VALENCIA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look into the explosive downtown business growth in 2016 By Alison Quisenberry News Reporter @aliquisenberry The heart of downtown San Marcos is ever growing with a variety of new businesses that were established in 2016, which has invited community members from all generations to enjoy the features of the area. Samantha Armbruster, Main Street program manager, says the downtown area gained 25 businesses in the past year. From retail and restaurants to tattoo parlors and art galleries, the array of appearances has diversified the area. Armbruster says the square contains a healthy business mix that includes a growing daytime economy and successful nighttime economy. The Main Street program expects more retail and
Valentine’s Day horror stories Valentine’s Day is meant for love and romance, but things don’t always go as planned. Bobcats and local businesses talk about unique Valentine’s Day experiences.
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professional services to move in in the next year and has high hopes for a better daytime economy. One of the first businesses to emerge along downtown in March of 2016 was Aquabrew—a family-friendly brewery that serves upscale cuisine and craft beer. Carlos Russo, owner of Aquabrew, says the establishment’s greatest accomplishment is remaining successful and not closing within their first year. After being named “Downtown Business of the Year” by San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, Carlos says he was not expecting the success they received, but his 2017 plans are full of growth to maintain it.
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