Business Spotlight: Carson City's Lazy Hog finds place among food trucks
Submitted by Brett Fisher on Thu, 08/03/2017 - 8:35pm
There are food trucks, and then there are food trailers pulled by trucks.
Fernando and Cherrie Palacios' bright yellow trailer looks a bit different among the growing community of mobile food vendors in Carson City.
There's neither a cab nor a drivetrain. Just a hitch pulling double axles of flavor — and a love for food — behind it.
With more than 40 years of restaurant experience between them, the Palacios struck out on their own in 2016 after spending more than a decade wanting and waiting to make their move.
"We had thought about it for the past 15 years," Cherrie Palacios said. "It never seemed the right time."
A burgeoning food truck industry in Northern Nevada, though, seemed to be just the right fit for the Palacios and their business model.
"We finally realized that we were ready to make the jump," Cherrie said. "So we did, and we have never looked back."
The result is The Lazy Hog mobile food trailer, which specializes in many things pork related.
Featuring signature roasted pork sandwiches and tacos, The Lazy Hog has been piggish about feeding its Carson City neighbors curbside.
But pig isn't all that's big in this bright, golden trailer.
Fish tacos, roasted chicken, garlic cheese fries, and even a traditional Cuban sandwich have made their marks on customer palates, too.
"We have a variety of housemade food and sauces," the Palacios said. "We focus on delicious flavors."
To say that diners have embraced The Lazy Hog's fare is a bit of an understatement.
The little food trailer is attracting attention beyond the Nevada state capital.
"We make a mean Cuban sandwich, and we also have outstanding fish tacos," the Palacios said. "Our Tacos Al Pastor are top notch."
The Carson City couple's big break came last spring after having just started The Lazy Hog. They had applied to participate in Reno's Food Truck Fridays and were accepted.
A regionwide hit, Food Truck Fridays has only gotten bigger over each of its past six seasons.
The Palacios brought their own brand of mobile cuisine to Idlewild Park in Reno last year, and the results were overwhelmingly positive for them.
"It gave us priceless visibility and exposure," Cherrie Palacios said. "We feel very lucky to get to be a part of it, and to get to share our food with so many."
The Lazy Hog returned again this year to the Truckee River in West Reno to participate in the wildly popular weekly summertime event that draws dozens of food vendors and thousands of hungry mouths.
"We love it," the Palacios said. "It's a fantastic event and a lot of fun."
As much as The Lazy Hog gets around Northern Nevada, the yellow trailer returns home to the small town charm of Carson City.
The Palacios know that locals here expect more than just good eats, because those who make the food make all the difference in the food.
"Good food is essential," the Palacios said. "But good service is also vital to success."
While The Lazy Hog spends most of its time in the Nevada state capital, the business currently travels to Reno every Friday afternoon now through Sept. 29 for Food Truck Fridays, held from 5 to 9 p.m. at Idlewild Park.
To learn more about The Lazy Hog and where it's parked every day, find it here on Facebook or call (775) 450-4071.
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