Lobster food truck owner opens first restaurant

Heidi Garbo opened her first restaurant, Garbo's, on July 8 out of necessity.

Her food truck, Garbo's Lobster Truck, had experienced so much growth since its opening in March 2013 that she had to buy a second truck to handle demand for catering, rentals and special events as well as her regular route throughout Austin. The Wells Branch–area restaurant will further help Garbo grow her business.

Fresh lobster, clams and diver scallops are flown in from her family's business in Maine, but Garbo's also uses seafood from the Gulf, including black drum fish and shrimp. Other seafood on the menu includes oysters and crab. Because the price of seafood fluctuates, Garbo said she plans to offer a variety of specials.

"We thoroughly believe in specials," she said. "We get bored and like to try new things."

She hired chef Mateo Vannucci, a native of Arkansas who has never visited New England. However, Garbo said he brings his own ideas to the table of what classic New England dishes should taste like and creates something better.

One example is the fish dip, which traditionally is made with cod in New England, but Garbo's uses mahi, red fish and drum fish from the Gulf for a cleaner flavor.

Despite being located in far North Austin, Garbo said she believes foodies will make the trek from throughout Austin.

"Destination restaurants are the next thing here," she said, citing Jack Allen's Kitchen as a successful example. "I am on the cusp, and more will be doing it. People will travel for really good food."

Garbo's is open for dinner and will offer lunch and brunch service in August. The restaurant also has a children's menu.

Garbo said she leased the space adjacent to the restaurant and plans to open an ice cream shop in early fall.

Garbo's, 14735 Bratton Lane, 512-350-9814, www.garboslobsteratx.com, Twitter: @garboslobsteratx, Hours: Mon.–Thu. 5–9 p.m.,Fri.–Sat. 5–10 p.m., closed Sun.