location 1: Waller Creek (East 6th & Waller)
hours: M-F: 12p-3p & 7p-3a; Sat: 12p-3p; Sun: 12p-4p
hours: M-F: 12p-3p & 7p-3a; Sat: 12p-3p; Sun: 12p-4p
location 2: UT campus Longhorn Trailer Park (MLK & Rio Grande)
hours: M-F: 12p-3p
cuisine: chicken & waffles; waffle tacos
Chicken for Strength, Waffles for Speed - is the tagline on Jason Umlas' food trailer. But don't let the charming quirkiness fool you; the chicken and waffle concept was a deliberate business model highlighting a profitable breakfast-food-menu along with the niche market of real southern fried chicken. But Lucky J's is more than a place to bring the hipster palette. Jason's spot over on the Eastside hosts DJs and live gospel music along with some pretty spectacular campfires. He's not from here, but he sure fits in good. Admittedly, Jason never thought he would be parenting in Texas, but he has two little ones he is rearing here. Why Austin? I love the way he puts it: "Being from New York and then LA I'm accustomed to having a diverse group of people. For Austin being a smaller city, it's great in that regards (diversity). You can have grandparents in tie dye sitting by punk teenagers sitting by a family of four all enjoying chicken and waffles around a campfire and getting along."
Jason describes the 'Ms. M's waffle taco' as one of the fan favorites. It's a handheld wrap that includes boneless fried chicken strips with bacon and swiss plus a little powdered sugar. What what? And if you need help starting your own trailer vendor business, check out Jason's consulting firm: Lucky U's. Get it? For new vendors, Jason reminds you that your ego is not always your amigo. If your business plan doesn't make sense on paper it's not going to make cents on the street. Lucky for you, Lucky U's is there for you to help with launching your business strategy and try a waffle taco from Lucky J's soon.
