A bacon egg and cheese breakfast sandwich is not the first thing I think of for breakfast in Austin, Texas. However, with so many transplants coming in from the Northeast to Austin, there's no wonder our sandwiches have been a big hit!!
A Taste of Home in the Heart of Texas
The bacon egg and cheese sandwich, affectionately known as the BEC, is a cornerstone of breakfast culture in New York City.
It’s the kind of grab-and-go sandwich with a coffee and pastry that fuels the bustling streets of Manhattan and the quiet corners of Queens, Long Island, and Brooklyn alike.
The simplicity of crispy bacon, perfectly cooked eggs (cracked right in front of you), and melted cheese, all nestled in a kaiser roll, is something that many New Yorkers hold dear.
When I decided to bring this beloved staple to Austin, I wasn’t just introducing a new menu item – I was bringing a piece of home to a new place, over 1600 miles away.
It's now clear to me that having a bacon egg and cheese is necessary not only for former Northeasterners but even local Austinites looking to expand their breakfast needs.
The Journey to Austin
Austin, Texas, is a city known for its vibrant food scene, eclectic music culture, and warm Southern hospitality.
It’s a place where breakfast tacos reign supreme, and BBQ is a way of life.
So, why introduce a BEC sandwich here? The answer lies in the city’s rapidly growing population and its appeal to people from all over the country, particularly the Northeast.
Over the past decade, Austin has become a magnet for transplants seeking new opportunities, better weather, and a unique cultural blend that only this city can offer.
Among these newcomers are countless individuals who grew up savoring the flavors of a BEC sandwich every morning before school or work.
For them, finding a place that serves this nostalgic meal is like discovering a little piece of home in their new city.
The Power of Nostalgia
Opening our breakfast sandwich shop in Austin has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
One of the most heartwarming aspects has been the stories and expressions of gratitude from our customers.
I often hear the nostalgia from customers that "we've been here 15 years and have been waiting for you!" or "we had the same idea for a breakfast sandwich place and am glad you're here now!".
When I hear these things, it truly makes me happy and grateful to provide my breakfast sandwiches and the nostalgic experience that many of us Northeasterners grew up with.
To me the bacon egg and cheese is more than just a sandwich; it’s a connection to memories of simpler times, family breakfasts, and the comforting routine of grabbing a BEC on the way to work or school.
Creating a New Tradition
While the BEC breakfast sandwich on a roll is rooted in Northeastern traditions, bringing it to Austin has allowed it to evolve and adapt to its new home.
I've experimented with many different suppliers and ingredients, incorporating flavors that reflect Austin’s unique culinary landscape including different cheeses, special house made sauces, and spicy fermented chilis - Austinites love their spice!
This blend of old and new has resonated with both transplants and locals.
Austinites are known for their openness to new ideas and flavors, and I believe the BEC sandwich has found its place among the city’s diverse breakfast offerings.
It’s not uncommon to see a Texan, who might have started their day with a breakfast taco, now enjoying a BEC sandwich as part of their morning routine.
A Community of BEC Lovers
One of the most fulfilling aspects of bringing the BEC sandwich to Austin has been the community that has grown around it.
My food truck has become a gathering place for people to share their stories, hang out work and connect to our Wi-Fi, reminisce about their favorite BEC memories, meet other New Yorkers, and introduce their friends and family to this delicious tradition.
It’s a joy to see customers, both old and new, come together over a shared love of a simple yet iconic breakfast sandwich.
Looking Ahead
As Austin continues to grow and evolve, so too will our little breakfast sandwich food truck.
We’re committed to staying true to the classic BEC while also embracing the flavors and innovations that make Austin such a special place.
Whether you’re a Northeasterner seeking a taste of home or a Texan looking to try something new, our doors are always open, and our griddle is always hot.
In the end, the BEC sandwich is more than just a meal – it’s a symbol of the connections we make through food.
It’s a reminder that no matter where we go, the flavors and traditions we hold dear can create a sense of home and community.
And in a city as dynamic and welcoming as Austin, there’s always room for a little taste of New York.
Richard Tavetian
Owner Operator
Eggman ATX
Photo credit to https://www.instagram.com/chadwadsworth_atx/