Box Owt

Artious “Smac” Walker said his “relentless optimism” has helped him overcome the obstacles one faces while starting a business. Box Owt, a new collective eatery located at 267 Dauphin St., plans to open in the next few weeks.

On Feb. 15, 2019, Artious “Smac” Walker jumped a downtown curb with his Smac Shack food truck and parked in the empty lot he rented at 263 Dauphin Street. It was his first time selling barbecue at Mardi Gras, and business was so good he returned the next year.

In January 2021, the year COVID canceled the parades and balls, Walker saw a “for sale” sign in the window of 267 Dauphin Street — the Weber’s building — with the adjacent lot at 263. He hoped the new buyer would still let him rent his spot during Carnival season.

Box Owt

Box Owt on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, in downtown Mobile, Ala.

Box Owt

The Box Owt concept located at 267 Dauphin St. evolved from a food truck park with shipping containers to more permanent structures, but the purpose of providing a place for vendors to develop restaurant concepts remained the same.

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(1) comment

GboyBama

Didn't I see that lot open for business last Mardi Gras weekend? I could have sworn I saw people buying food. Maybe it was a Moonpie induced glimpse of the future or folks were just camped out in the lot partying.

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