The Tailgate, originally launched as a food truck park, has grown into a prominent outdoor event venue in Midland. The Tailgate is now planning a move to a larger facility in the county next year to accommodate its continued growth and increase its event capacity.
The venue, initially approved by the city, saw a successful opening day and continued to draw crowds, in part due to the addition of a large screen for game-day events.
The business started with only three employees, but now employs 140 staff members. According to Ariel Herrera, one of the venue’s owners, the venue’s success has been bolstered by its focus on providing a positive experience for talent and guests.
AST Oil & Gas became The Tailgate's first presenting sponsor–a move driven by the company's belief in the venue's vision. The Tailgate also accelerated its growth by winning the $100,000 Entrepreneurial Challenge. Key partnerships have further fueled the venue’s success, including a collaboration with Raising Cane’s, which provides on-site food boxes and offers free canned water to designated drivers.
However, The Tailgate encountered challenges related to city regulations. Leasing its land from HEB, The Tailgate required approval from the company before making any structural changes, which complicated efforts to comply with city requirements.
“It’s not that we didn’t want to be in compliance; we just had to navigate between HEB’s policies so we wouldn’t be evicted and those of the City,” Herrera said. “We ultimately had to ask the city to fine us until we could become compliant.”
Compliance issues resulted in some negative media attention. Herrera told Midland Times that the venue was portrayed unfairly. “We Love West Texas, it’s home,” she said.
To meet city requirements, The Tailgate had to relocate its office out of a flood zone, construct standalone bathrooms to meet plumbing codes, and add additional parking spaces with asphalt milling–costing the business nearly $400,000. Despite the setbacks, the park has since been approved by the city. Herrera confirmed that The Tailgate is now in compliance.
According to Herrera, safety is a priority for The Tailgate, particularly in preventing drunk driving. The park’s three owners personally fund Uber and Lyft rides for guests, and local police have collaborated with the venue to ensure anyone who needs a ride receives one. The partnership with Raising Cane’s chicken provides boxed meals to lessen the rush to eat after events. “We care deeply about drunk driving,” said Herrera.
To learn more about The Tailgate and upcoming events, visit their website.