HOUSTON, TX

An Idea

2011-2013

Written by Sal, founder of MESS

When I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2011, I went to start what I thought would be the beginning of a long career in the energy sector. 2 years flew by and I was still in the daily 9-5 routine. I began to lose sight of my dreams with the comfort of a corporate job.

Cooking came to me in the form of necessity as credit card bills climbed higher than ever. Several dinner parties later, I had the confidence to think I could do this for a living.

COLLEGE STATION, TX

The Food Truck

2014

While my corporate job was coming to an end, 10 or so miles away, the food truck of my dreams was being built. I put every dollar I had saved into bringing life back to a former linen delivery vehicle. At this time you’re probably wondering.. why waffles? Why MESS? After many months of trying new dishes, fried chicken was my champion dish - one that would win over anyone. Seeing as waffles pair so well with fried chicken, it was a no-brainer. As for the name, that was a bit of a fortunate misfortune. After running out of names for my business, I named it ‘MESS’, as in everything seemed like a mess at the time.

With the help of close friends and family, the food truck opened on 2/14/2014.

COLLEGE STATION, TX

The Restaurant

2018

Years later, I started graduate school at A&M and wasn’t sure how much longer I could run the food truck. Although, after seeing the success of MESS, it would’ve been unwise to not see how far I could take this.

I closed down the food truck in 05/2017 and got straight to work on the restaurant. I realized we disappointed so many of our loyal customers but it was for the right intentions. The sea of familiar and new faces that flocked back in once we opened made this journey all the better. It brings me so much joy to see people coming to visit the restaurant from all over the country. Some even drive hours to have MESS. I’m truly grateful for allowing us to serve you.