Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Hoover’s going vegetarian?

Not exactly.  The two full service restaurants (Manor Rd & 183@Anderson Mill) will continue to serve the great Texas comfort food that you have been enjoying for almost 13 years!  The Soular Foods Trailer will simply be an extension of that tradition, but it will have its OWN MENU.  We are calling it “veggie-centric” as it is focused on fresh veggies, but it is not exclusively vegetarian.

What will be on the menu at the Soular Foods Trailer?

We will be using fresh veggies and feature Texas and Locally Grown Produce (and those grown in the Soular Garden) as much as possible.  Some dishes may even be RAW, others will be cooked, sautéed, or smoked.  This will include hot and cold soups, salads, wraps, and MORE.  Much of the focus will be on “Heritage Vegetables,” or, items often associated and used in Southern and Texas down-home comfort food.  We’re talkin’ sweet potatoes, greens, black eyed peas, beets, tomatoes, okra, and of course corn.  The meats used will be NATURAL, hormone and antibiotic free.

What does the sign on 12th st mean?  Goodness From the Garden?

We are growing a garden full of  vegetables that are well suited for our area/climate/growing season.  The garden will act as a source of sustainable food for not only the trailer, but also our restaurants.  In addition, we hope to utilize the garden as a community teaching tool:  what to grow, how to grow, when to grow, and especially ideas on how to cook them.  

How will the Soular Foods Trailer relate to the two Hoover’s Cooking Restaurants?

Part of the cooking/prep for the trailer will actually be done at our Manor Rd restaurant location while the rest will be cooked entirely at the trailer.  Some of the recipes used are dishes which are currently featured at our restaurants, while others will be NEW VEGETARIAN VERSIONS of old favorites like our black eyed peas and greens.  The trailer will also serve as a “laboratory,” or test kitchen for future blackboard specials to be served in the restaurants.

What’s up with the promo video?  Smaller Chef, Smaller Portions?

I’m on a personal and professional mission to elevate awareness/increase knowledge about health, nutrition, and life style changes.  Don’t worry, we all still love and enjoy our chicken fried steak.  This mission ain’t about an either/or choice.  Its about BALANCE and learning to integrate good old home style comfort food with HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVES.  I believe there is room in a week to have and ENJOY both!  We will soon be offering portion size options at both restaurants.

Me, I’m enjoying both schools of thought.  Old school, Texas comfort food as well as healthy, home-grown, and down-right good for the body, mind, and soul, veggies!  ”Veggi-centric” from Hoover’s Soular Garden.

I’m also encouraging and DOING more physical activities.  Health, wellness, moderation, exercise, and overall BALANCE are all key components behind my “smaller chef, smaller portions” mantra.

You mentioned “Community Hub?”  What are your ideas for activities and engagement?

I’m envisioning the Food Trailer and Garden to be a dynamic “community hub” featuring a small scale farmer’s market with local produce as well as other locally made products.  I hope to have local talent as well.  I’m thinking everything from “un-plugged” music, puppet shows, children’s book authors, activities, and much more as we grow together.  I want to host classes on gardening and cooking and produce videos/blogs of both.  I want to educate about the history of food and do videos of such.  I want to live, thrive and exercise!  I’m gonna start a group wellness program that includes a “walk/jog/run” route beginning at the Trailer (12th & Waller) and incorporates stops at Greater Mt Zion Community Garden (my church), various edible landscapes in the neighborhood, and finally Yellow Jacket Field at the old Anderson High School.  Ready to get that blood flowing with me?  Lets work out/walk together!

Speaking of the Greater Mt Zion Garden, what is the connection/association with Hoover’s and the Soular Garden on 12th?

There has been a little bit of confusion regarding the two gardens and the two signs.  Local artist Gary Green created, designed, and painted BOTH signs.  The look, feel and even names are very similar (entendré and puns ARE intentional!!) Hoover’s restaurants and Soular Food Trailer will be promoting and introducing the neighborhood as well as the community to the GMZ Community Garden.  This is my church home.  Both our garden and theirs share in the mission to encourage others to start a community and/or home garden.  Let’s go people.  Let’s GROW PEOPLE!