Alvin Ord’s feeds San Marcos for nearly 50 years

Alvin Ord Johnston opened the original Austin shop on South Congress Avenue in 1970, but left abruptly in 1972 to join a monastery. His nephew, Rick Skinner, revived the brand in San Marcos in 1978.

Bill Martin, who worked at the Austin shop, took ownership in 1983 and has run it since.

“I just felt ... that was the next step for me to take—was ownership of the business,” Martin said.

What else?

Martin said when he bought the eatery, his father mentioned that a lot of businesses have a shelf life. He did not think that he’d still be open over four decades later.

“The fact that I'm still open 42 years later, that's most exciting,” Martin said.

• 204 University Drive, San Marcos
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