Oxford’s ‘YoknapaTaco’ Set to Open in September

YoknapaTaco Taco Truck / Photo courtesy YoknapaTaco Facebook page

The new taco food truck in Oxford, YoknapaTaco, is set to officially open in early September.

“We wanted to be something that the community around could feel like is their own and really take pride in,” stated Jacob Sessums, owner of the food truck. Based on William Faulkner’s fictional county of Yoknapatawpha, the name of the truck was created as a symbol of Oxford’s culture combined with the concept of selling tacos. The truck will act as a gateway to selling food mobily in the city of Oxford.

A table outside of Oxford’s exclusive taco truck / Photo courtesy YoknapaTaco Facebook page

“In starting the business, Jacob stated, “I asked myself ways that we could expand the food culture here as the city is expanding. The goal is to fill the holes in the market where they exist.”

Jacob discussed the five-month process of preparation for the opening of the food truck. “Initially I thought what most people in Oxford would — it wouldn’t be legal in Oxford,” Jacob stated. “I started going up to the City Hall, talking with people there to figure out details and figure out what the stipulations were.”

Since then, the truck has seen a growing fan base. Social media has acted as an exceptional aid for promotion. With more than 900 likes on Facebook, the business is expected to see a steady customer base upon its opening in September.

“We want to use social media as an engagement tool to connect with the community — to let them know they have a voice to tell what they want.” Jacob said. He also asserted that they have a pretty strong Facebook following right now, they’re slowly building their Instagram up and Twitter will start to kick off as they get on the road.

The menu will be a bit different from traditional taco-selling restaurants. Salsa will be olive based, in comparison to traditional chips and salsa, and spicy quesadillas will also be offered.

Tacos for sale / Photo courtesy YoknapaTaco Facebook page

One of the largest aspects of the business is the fresh food it will provide to customers. Food provided by YoknapaTaco will be high-quality food obtained through local farmers markets. Owners look to offer options that are locally sourced, providing a healthier outlet for eating tacos. There will also occasionally be vegan options for customers who prefer it.

Currently, prices will range from $3 to $3.50 a taco, and combos will also be available. As of now, combos will range from $8 to $12.

A Farmers Market Veggie Taco / Photo courtesy YoknapaTaco Facebook page

The truck will be moving to different locations frequently throughout the day. It will travel to different sections of the city of Oxford so that tacos will be accessible to residents across town.

In late July, a pre-launch party was held at the Powerhouse to introduce the truck to residents in Oxford. Jacob asserted that there was a great turnout of approximately 600 people and furthermore, they received great feedback. Other mobile vendors were in attendance to advertise their foods as well.

“After the event, we realized that we would need more space to work out of to meet the public demand based on the buzz we were getting. We were working out of a small shared space at the time and realized that we needed more space to not only cook but store our food. ”

The truck will cater to different types of customer bases. Members of the truck have already been working and building relationships with local businesses to cater to customers accordingly. Clientele will be based on the time and location of the truck. It will be open late nights on weekends, no later than 2 a.m. and on weekdays will not be open later than 1 a.m.

In addition to the food truck, a physical location will be open that will not only store YoknapaTaco’s food, but also provide an outlet for local food entrepreneurs to advertise their various dishes for the community to taste and share.

For more information regarding YoknopoTaco or the available testing space for potential restaurant owners, contact Jacob at (347)-515-2537.

Mia Sims is a HottyToddy.com reporter and can be reached at masims@go.olemiss.edu