If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie in the RGV and love supporting local restaurants, there’s a possibility that you’ve already had Qweenie RGV a number of times.
What is Qweenie RGV?
Qweenie is a food truck that is the creation of Valley natives Kimberly Avila and Bryan Nunn. Specializing in gourmet hot dogs that are out-of-this-world, this phenomenon opened up in 2018. Qweenie just celebrated its first birthday in July.
The unique food truck has become a craze in the foodie community. It seems to have gained traction overnight – but it hasn’t been an easy ride.
“We’ve been incredibly thankful for all the support from the foodie [and small business] community. Our first year has been filled with a lot of setbacks but plenty more growth and opportunity,” says Avila. “To be a part of this community in the RGV literally means everything to me, to us. The RGV has an awesome community filled with big hearts.”
RGV roots
Qweenie creator and owner Avila and fiancé /co-owner Nunn are from Weslaco. After moving to Los Angeles In search of adventure back in 2014, they returned to the RGV in 2017 so she could finish her degree at UTRGV. Little did they know, they were on the brink of venturing into a new world with an endless amount of delicious food combinations.
A star is born
What started off as a simple idea to make and sell Mexican hot dogs out of a cart as a side hustle to help bring in some extra cash has evolved into the Qweenie of today.
Inspired by the unique food combos her dad made her growing up, Kimberly managed to create Insta-worthy dishes by combining several different comfort foods with her childhood go-to dish: hot dogs.
“I wanted to do something more unique and entirely outside of the box. I chose hot dogs because it’s literally been one of my favorite foods since I was a little girl,” says Avila. “My dad would make us chorizo and egg hot dogs and spaghetti hot dogs, and I realized that was the perfect route to serving hot dogs in a unique way. I knew people could love it.”
“Our first year has truly felt like a dream”
When asked if they’ve experienced any pinch-me moments in their first year, Avila says, “Several pinch me’s actually. Our very first soft opening, our grand opening, when Qweenie made the front page of The Monitor, every time our order line is filled with anxious foodies, when we purchased our second trailer, when the wrap of the original Qweenie art work got installed … the list goes on.”
Within their first year alone, they’ve traded their famous pink pop-up cart for a food truck wrapped with a custom “out-of-this-world” design by their close friend and RGV native graphic designer David Adly Rodriguez.
Qweenie’s adventure has definitely taken them on a wild ride filled with surprises. The couple couldn’t be more grateful for every single one.
Keeping up with Qweenie RGV
These gourmet hot dogs are anything but ordinary, and the unusual pairings are a hit on social media. They have gained a following of more than 13,000 across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter combined in their first year alone. Find them online to find out where they are popping up next!