AUSITN, Texas – For 12 years, Torchy’s Tacos has left its mark, which is why news of the original trailer’s closing set off a wave of patrons arriving to show support one last time on Wednesday.

“It’s something we love. It’s a local staple, so why not? We just happened to have the time off to do it. And I mean who doesn’t want free tacos,” said Lindsey Roberts who was among the first in line.

Torchy’s itself is going anywhere.

“Thanks to the Austin community, we’ve had great success and we feel like we’ve become part of the culture here,” said Torchy's Tacos founder Mike Rypka.

Beyond the culture, Torchy’s has managed to earn a special place among some of its patrons.

“We have actually a little bit of history with Torchy’s. It was our first official date,” said Roberts.

A Tinder date at Torchy’s that’s going strong a year and a half later.

“Passing by I was like 'oh perfect, Torchy’s. Let’s go there. Have you ever been there, no? Perfect,'” said Eddie Romero. 

For the company, it’s about closing one chapter and starting a new one.

“We’ve become a brick and mortar spot and we’ve grown up. We’ve got the training wheels off if you will. Torchy’s is a teenager now,” said Rypka.

As for the people behind every taco: “We work out butts off every day to treat people with respect and keep them coming back and giving the best damn taco we can."

While the trailer is closed, the landlord at South First and Elizabeth streets will decide what happens to the lot. A new brick and mortar location will open nearby at an undetermined point in the future. As part of the farewell party, one dollar will be given to the Texas School for the Deaf for every taco given.