On the busy corner of Nacogdoches and Loop 410, stand four small food trailers on the lot of a former Texaco gas station, which is now dubbed the “Flavor Corner.” Small signs point drivers to a burger stand, a churro stand or a Mexican food truck. However, the true standout of the Flavor Corner is Theory Coffee.
Ever since its opening in February 2015, Theory Coffee has become a community favorite in the Oak Park and Northwood neighborhoods of Alamo city. Every morning, a line of eager customers quickly develops — ready to choose from a succinct menu consisting of locally-roasted, specialty espresso drinks and a selection of pastries.
The community-oriented aspect of Theory Coffee truly stands out. People do not just stop on their morning commutes; they stay, and the location turns into a community hub. Every morning the shop is the intersection between dog walkers, families and friends who meet up and slow down, spending time talking and truly enjoying their cup of joe.
The owner, Mark Vollmer, is often seen roaming around the outdoor seating area, talking with regulars and wiping down tables. Mark described many of the pros and cons of running a “micro-business” out of a trailer.
“For about seven and a half years, I would haul [the truck] out, set up, serve, tear down and haul it away,” Vollmer said. Theory Coffee has only been a permanent fixture of the Flavor Corner since May of 2022, which required a complete revamping of the gas station property. “There wasn’t water in this intersection. We ran sanitation, so no sewage. We did all that, which is a big thing, but also was a project that needed to happen to avoid burnout from hauling the trailer like every day,” he later commented.
Despite these challenges, Vollmer exclaimed that running Theory Coffee out of a trailer has actually been “overwhelmingly positive” for the business overall. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 Pandemic, where many small businesses had trouble staying afloat. “Being open-air… was a positive thing. During that time, people felt safer just being outside and not going into a shop,” said Vollmer.
Overall, the future is bright for Theory Coffee. Construction is ongoing at the Flavor Corner, where they are looking to increase the number of permanent food trucks, and Theory Coffee plans to be a permanent fixture. “I feel like, at this point, it’s a feel-good thing for us to know that we’re embedded in the community,” said Mark when asked about future plans. With delicious coffee and a great community atmosphere, it is no wonder Theory Coffee continues to be so successful.
