Neon Armadillo, a food vendor specializing in seed oil-free, hyper-local dishes with a Texas flair, will open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in mid-August at The Junction in Wimberley. After launching as a food trailer in July 2024, the business quickly became known for its regenerative approach to barbecue and Tex-Mex.
The overview
The brick-and- mortar will sit on a 3-acre property designed with a “Hill Country playground” vibe, according to Chef Adam Puskorius. The restaurant will include live music, a full bar, and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The space is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for families, foodies, and anyone wanting to enjoy the Hill Country lifestyle.
Neon Armadillo's menu is intentional. It features regenerative grass-fed beef burgers, pasture-raised brisket, a variety of margaritas and beer, and family-style meal kits known as “Dillo Packs.”
According to Puskorius, everything is cooked without seed oils, using ingredients sourced from local farmers and ranchers who share the team’s dedication to soil health and sustainable practices.
“We wanted to bring to light the serving of seed oil-free food, as well as regenerative and pasture-raised [food], and try to stay as hyper-local as possible by supporting ranchers and farmers and doing things the right way,” Puskorius said. “We're taking care of the animals and the soil.”
Digging deeper
The name “Neon Armadillo” came from a vintage sign that Puskorius’ business partner spotted during a visit to the Junk Gypsy compound in Wimberley. The sign, originally from a 1970s honky-tonk in Beaumont, fit the brand’s vision perfectly.
“It just kind of felt like the brand and the style of what we’re doing with the restaurant,” Puskorius said.
Before launching Neon Armadillo, Puskorius spent more than 25 years in the restaurant industry, working in high-end restaurants across Houston, Austin and Chicago. He has served as a line cook, sous chef, executive chef and corporate culinary leader. Through his time with True Food Kitchen, he developed relationships with regenerative producers, many of whom now supply ingredients for Neon Armadillo.
What’s next
Neon Armadillo is also the sister restaurant of CreekHouse Kitchen & Bar, another Wimberley-based eatery focused on elevated comfort food. The Neon Armadillo food trailer will continue serving until July, shortly before the new location opens.
“We’re really just trying to put together a fun spot where everybody can hang out and also give people the opportunity to spend their dollar the right way,” Puskorius said. “It’s about offering healthy, approachable food while supporting ranchers and farmers who are doing things the right way.”
- Opening mid-August
- 9595 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley
- www.neonarmadillowtx.com
