Jep Robertson and his wife Jessica the familiar faces from Duck Dynasty made a big life change when they left their longtime home in Louisiana and moved to Texas. But their relocation wasn’t just about changing zip codes; it was part of a deliberate plan to build something new for their family, for their business, and for their faith. Let’s analyze why they move to Texas:
1. A Business Dream: Jep’s Food Truck
One of the most important reasons behind the move is Jep’s ambition in the food world. In 2017, the couple officially relocated to Austin, Texas, so Jep could launch his food truck business, Jep’s Southern Roots, serving up Southern-Cajun comfort food.
The food-truck scene in Texas — especially around Austin and Dripping Springs — is strong, diverse, and creative. Partnering with Family Business Beer Company, Jep and Jessica were able to bring familiar dishes like shrimp etouffée, jambalaya, and po’boys to a new audience.
This move gave Jep a way to shift from the television world of Duck Dynasty into the food-entrepreneur space, doing something hands-on and deeply rooted in his heritage.
2. A Longstanding Love for Texas
Jessica has said that their move to Texas wasn’t spontaneous. In interviews, she and Jep have talked about “planting a seed” for years before actually making the shift.
They mention having made friends in the Austin area over time, visiting often, and feeling drawn to the region. This wasn’t just a business move—it was emotional and relational, too.
3. Family, Faith & Lifestyle
For Jep and Jessica, family is everything. Their move allowed them to raise their children in a new environment, while still holding on to their values and traditions. According to Hook & Barrel Magazine, when they talk about life in Austin, they emphasize how important food, service, and community are to their family.
In Texas, they found space not just physically, but emotionally to build new traditions with their kids, host supper clubs, and enjoy a slower rhythm of life outside the spotlight.
4. A Strategic Lifestyle Reset After Duck Dynasty
When Duck Dynasty ended, Jep faced a crossroads. According to some reports, the couple felt called to start a “next chapter,” separate from the heavy machinery of reality television. By moving, they could reinvent themselves on their own terms.
They traded in life on “Robertson Row” in Louisiana for something more entrepreneurial and flexible in Texas. The food truck was not only a business but also a way to bring their personal passions — Southern cooking, hospitality, and faith — into everyday work.
5. Quality of Life + Outdoor Connection
Being longtime outdoors lovers, Jep and Jessica also appreciated what Texas offered — wide-open spaces, nature, and a sense of freedom. The Hill Country lifestyle, combined with community and business opportunities, made it an ideal place to balance work and family life.
6. Building a Media & Content Platform
Moving to Austin afforded them new platforms to tell their story. They launched a YouTube channel, shared recipes, talked about raising their family, and used their presence in Texas to further engage with their fan base. This wasn’t just a lifestyle move it was a content-creation move.
Conclusion
Jep and Jessica Robertson’s move to Texas was driven by a mix of entrepreneurship, vision, and faith. Their relocation enabled Jep to chase a food-business dream, deepen community ties, and reset their family’s public identity away from the realities of Duck Dynasty. For them, Texas wasn’t just a new home it was a place where their next chapter could take root.
