About

Keith O’Riordan- Owner and General Manager

Joan Isett- Director of Catering & Events

It all started when…

Ranch Hand was born in a classroom at UT when two guys understood the assignment. They sourced a local product, created a business model and crafted the culinary adventure presented to you today.

The guys being MBA students with grown up taste buds were tired of “eating shit for lunch” on campus. They set out to create an experience where even a college student would have access to something delicious, and nutritious! They sought out local ranchers in the Austin area that could provide locally, and ethically sourced proteins: enter the Beeman Family Ranch right outside of town. The produce was the next step, so of course they went on the hunt for Texas based organic farms. The results were dishes that are clean and melt in your mouth, like those that you would only expect to find in fine dining. The project was so successful, that after their presentation their inboxes started filling up daily with orders from students, that told other students, that told other students, and so on. In the end it was the professors that went in as their first investors for a food truck!

While our founders have moved on to successfully launch Ranch Rider Spirits (where they get to play with tequila for a living); Ranch Hand is still going strong! We transitioned ownership (per pre-prohibition Texas laws) to the original GM who’s committed to upholding and expanding the concept.

Since that time in 2017 we have had the pleasure to expand our operation, we now have multiple locations, and a full-service catering company (nominated Best Caterer of Austin) in addition to that iconic roaming food truck! Ensuring that we are able to meet all needs wherever and whatever they may be.