Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Mattson.
Hi Christian , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Christian Mattson is the dynamic founder of Wagyu on Wheels (www.wagyuonwheels.com), a woman-owned gourmet food truck in the Cedar Park/Leander, Texas area known for its premium Wagyu beef burgers and creative sides.
With a passion for high-quality ingredients and bold flavors, Christian turned her love of Wagyu beef into a mobile dining experience—from sourcing beautifully marbled beef from local purveyors to crafting a standout burger lineup that reflects her Texas roots and food-truck hustle.
As a process-driven entrepreneur and detail-oriented operator, Christian ensures every element—from the truck’s vibrant pink exterior to its custom menu and efficient operations—delivers a memorable experience. Her aim is not only to serve great food, but to build a brand that resonates with the local community, supports local sourcing, and elevates the street-food scene.
Whether she’s behind the spatula or managing logistics, Christian combines her love of food, fitness, and operations to drive Wagyu on Wheels forward—one juicy burger at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When Christian Mattson launched Wagyu on Wheels in 2016, she wasn’t a chef—or even a business major. She was a single mom with a dream, a grill, and a pink food truck she bought on faith. With no prior cooking or business experience, every step forward came with a learning curve:
Long nights and early mornings perfecting recipes, running errands, and figuring out the ins and outs of the food-truck world.
Financial hurdles, from finding startup capital to juggling bills and reinvesting every dollar back into the business.
Equipment breakdowns and weather challenges, the kind of setbacks that can shut a truck down for weeks—but taught her resilience and problem-solving.
Staffing struggles, learning how to train, motivate, and lead a small team while still being the face of the brand.
And perhaps most importantly, the mental load of doing it all while raising a child, trying to balance motherhood with the unpredictable rhythm of entrepreneurship.
Through it all, Christian leaned on grit, faith, and her community. She taught herself everything—from seasoning the perfect burger to managing inventory, negotiating with vendors, designing menus, and creating a brand that people instantly recognize.
Nearly a decade later, Wagyu on Wheels has become a local favorite, known not just for its incredible Wagyu burgers but for the story of perseverance behind them. What started as a pink food truck run by a determined mom has grown into a beloved Austin-area brand—one that continues to serve up more than just burgers, but inspiration on wheels.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I Do & What I’m Known For
I’m the founder and owner of Wagyu on Wheels, a gourmet food truck based in the Cedar Park and Austin area that specializes in premium Wagyu beef burgers, creative comfort food, and bold flavors served with personality.
When I started this business back in 2016, I had zero culinary or business experience — just a deep drive to create something meaningful for myself and my son. Over time, I taught myself everything: from running a grill and designing menus to managing operations, branding, and marketing. What began as a one-woman show has now grown into a recognized local brand known for our pink truck, premium Wagyu burgers, and unforgettable customer experience.
Our specialty is Wagyu beef — known for its tenderness, rich marbling, and next-level flavor. I wanted to take something high-end and make it approachable, fun, and memorable. We’re best known for our Wagyu burgers, loaded fries, and seasonal specials that keep customers excited to come back.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the fact that I built this business from the ground up as a single mom, with no prior experience, and turned it into something sustainable and loved by the community. Every milestone — from getting our first sold-out event to earning loyal customers who drive across town just to find us — has been a reminder that perseverance and passion can take you anywhere.
Another huge point of pride is the community we’ve built. We’ve been part of countless local events, charity fundraisers, and festivals, and it means the world to me to feed and connect with people through something I created from scratch.
What Sets Me Apart
What sets Wagyu on Wheels apart isn’t just our food — it’s the heart behind the brand. Every detail matters: the aesthetic of our pink truck, the energy of our team, the consistency of our product, and the way we interact with our customers. I wanted the experience to feel fun, nostalgic, and a little over the top — just like the flavors we serve.
I think people connect with us because they can see the authenticity. I’m not a trained chef; I’m a self-taught, hands-on entrepreneur who never gave up — and I think that story resonates with a lot of people. We’re proof that you can start from nothing and still build something unforgettable.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Advice on Finding Mentors & Networking
When I first started Wagyu on Wheels, I didn’t have mentors or a network — I was figuring everything out through trial and error. I didn’t come from the restaurant world, and I didn’t have business connections, so my “networking” in the beginning looked a lot like introducing myself at events, asking questions, and learning by watching others.
Over time, I realized that mentorship doesn’t always have to come in the form of one person — sometimes it’s built through community. I started connecting with other local food truck owners, small business operators, and women entrepreneurs in the Austin area. Those relationships became invaluable. We share tips, vendor contacts, event leads, and encouragement when things get tough.
My advice to anyone looking for a mentor or network is this:
Be genuine and approachable. People can sense authenticity, and they’re much more likely to help when they see your passion.
Show up consistently. Attend local markets, business mixers, and community events even when you don’t feel ready — those small interactions build recognition over time.
Be willing to give as much as you receive. Collaboration beats competition, especially in the local business world.
What’s worked best for me has been building connections through shared experiences, not formal introductions. I’ve met some of my strongest business allies through events, pop-ups, and random conversations at 6 a.m. food deliveries. When you love what you do and stay open to learning, the right people will naturally cross your path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wagyuonwheels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagyuonwheels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wagyuonwheels/
