Student-run taco truck feeds the Square

Posted on Nov 3 2014 - 9:40am by Kylie McFadden

serrano

Local undergraduates have created Oxford’s first taco trailer.

Serrano’s Tacos, which offers catering services in addition to its weekend services on the Square, opened for business a few weeks into this school year.

Samuel Rubin, executive chef and acting general manager of Serrano’s Tacos, is a junior at Johnson and Wales, studying business and hospitality online.

Eric Olssen, a junior chemical engineering major at Ole Miss, said the idea for Serrano’s Tacos came from a desire for “more late night on-the-go food options similar to what we’d seen in other college towns.”

Being a student with the responsibilities of a business owner, however, is a tricky balance.

“It is extremely difficult juggling the two,” Olssen said. “Both demand a good amount of time and effort.”

After the first few weeks of Serrano’s Tacos being open, Rubin and Olssen said business has been good, but there is room for improvement.

“There have been ups and downs just like any business,” he said. “However, I think ours has really shown the potential to grow into something great.”

Entrees range in price from $2 to $6, including breakfast tacos, carnitas, BBQ chicken and quesadillas. In addition to the set menu, Serrano’s has special items that aren’t on the regular menu.

“My favorite item so far was a special we had. It was a Korean BBQ pork with asian slaw and spicy mayo,” said Rubin.

Other specials have included carnitas with candied bacon and BBQ rubbed chicken with grilled onions.

While the station is mobile, Serrano’s Tacos primarily operates on the Square between Holli’s Sweet Tooth and Soulshine Pizza Factory. Serrano’s is open on gamedays as well, though only after Grove catering is taken care of, which Rubin said takes precedence.

Kylie McFadden