Teenage Entrepreneur Serves Up Success with Smashburger Food Truck

In a remarkable display of entrepreneurial spirit, a 16-year-old homeschool student in College Station, Texas, has turned his dream of owning a food truck into a thriving reality. Evan Morrison Jr., the co-owner of Better Beef Smashburgers, has been serving up mouthwatering smash burgers, cheesesteaks, and hand-cut fries from his food trailer, stationed outside the Ranch Harley-Davidson in College Station.

Turning Passion into Profit: A Young Entrepreneur's Journey

Inspired by Family, Fueled by Determination

Inspired by his parents' entrepreneurial spirit and supported by an investment from his family, Morrison Jr. launched the business over the summer. "I asked them about a year ago if I could get my own food truck," Morrison Jr. said. "They told me if I used the money I had saved from working at their coffee shop, they would help me purchase a food trailer." With the backing of his sister and family, Morrison Jr. used his savings to make the purchase and kick-start the venture.

Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship

While the business is still in its early stages, Morrison Jr. says things are going well, despite the initial challenges of getting started. "It's been a little hard, but I enjoy it. We're working on building our brand," Morrison Jr. said. In addition to running the food truck, Morrison Jr., a 10th grader, manages to balance schoolwork with his business responsibilities. "I just go home and do my assignments after I'm done working the food truck."

Parental Support: A Driving Force

Morrison Jr.'s parents, Evan Morrison Sr. and his wife, have been instrumental in his success. "He's been learning a lot along the way—about setting up permits, handling taxes, and more," said his father, Evan Morrison Sr. The family's holistic approach to education has been a great addition to Evan Jr.'s entrepreneurial journey. "If one of my kids comes to me with an idea, we look at how we can make it happen," Morrison Sr. said.

Community Embraces the Young Entrepreneur

Better Beef Smashburgers' success has not gone unnoticed in the local community. Courtney Cannon, a resident of College Station, discovered the business through a Facebook post and decided to support the young entrepreneur. "It's very impressive. I think it probably promotes homeschooling, too," Cannon said. "We love burgers, and we love supporting local businesses. At that age, to want to start a business and do something for himself—it's pretty inspiring for all the kids out there."

Building a Brand, Expanding the Reach

Despite the challenges, Morrison Jr.'s hard work is paying off as Better Beef Smashburgers gains traction in College Station. The family hopes to expand as they continue to build their brand in the community. Better Beef Smashburgers currently operates Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Ranch Harley-Davidson, with additional Saturday night pop-ups at Four Downs Sports Bar.

A Lesson in Entrepreneurship and Perseverance

Evan Morrison Jr.'s journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of perseverance. At just 16 years old, he has already demonstrated the drive, determination, and business acumen that many aspiring entrepreneurs strive for. His story serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere, proving that with the right mindset, support, and a little hard work, dreams can become a reality.