Let’s address the elephant, or should I say, “The Spartan,” in the room. St. Stephen’s is by no means a cakewalk of a school, and I’m not just talking academics. Balancing athletics, rigorous schoolwork, the arts, and still having a social life is difficult, to say the very least. However, as of late, there’s been a new landmark introduced to the Hill that is seemingly helping solve the Spartan stress issue for many. That’s right, if you’re looking for good food, fun, and a perfect hangout spot where both students and parents can unwind, look no further than “The Huddle.”
In August of 2025, Assistant Spartans Varsity Basketball Coach Jed Marquez founded the official concession stand of St. Stephen’s, “The Huddle.” While many concession stands around Austin look like ghost towns unless the football or basketball team is playing, The Huddle prides itself on consistent availability. From 3:45 to 6:00, Monday through Friday, the stand is open and ready to serve anything from cheeseburgers to ice cream to almost any candy bar you can name!! Whether it’s a weekday 8 A.M. field hockey game or a post-football-game rush for hungry players and fans… a Spartan win isn’t always guaranteed, but it seems The Huddle has kept an undefeated clean sheet in the service department.
Last year, The Huddle displayed a strong rookie debut, but in 2026, things are looking even better… It’s safe to say there was no sophomore slump for this business! The stand hit the ground running, adding a plethora of new options to their menu. Some fan favorites consist of popcorn chicken, Alani’s, and a new standout healthy option, “The Spartan Bowl,” which effortlessly combines sweet potatoes, ground beef, cheese, pico de gallo, and avocado, and is served at select home games.
Fresh flavors weren’t the only positive addition to The Huddle. Due to the immense success of the stand thus far, student workers are now able to work for pay at the stand, highlighting the snack shack’s ability to not just serve food at a more efficient rate, but to help Spartan students understand what it’s like to work a real job while simultaneously learning the business side of the food industry! I sat down with all-star employee Atticus Springer to ask what his favorite part about working at The Huddle is, and he said, “Seeing new faces every day! I like to think I can brighten students’ day, even if it’s just a little.”
The Huddle will soon add fan apparel available to purchase, in addition to the start of their community-based events, such as Mario Kart tournaments and NFL watch parties!! So whether you are a regular or just stop by every once in a while, it seems you’re winning, because any St. Stephen’s community member not checking out this kiosk is purely missing out!!