Photo by Johnny Mango: From front to back: Allyson, Cara, and Ben
Located in Downtown Kennewick, Hot Mess Burgers and Fries is much more than a burger truck; it’s an anchor for a neighborhood filled with welcoming third spaces. Loud, proud, and unapologetically authentic, this queer-owned business offers not only the largest burgers you’re likely to find in the state, but also a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can feel seen.
Burgers with a side of boldness
Hot Mess Burgers and Fries isn’t your average food truck. Founded by Cara Nokes, a trans woman and executive chef, and managed alongside her wife Alysson Nokes and co-owner Ben Nichols, Hot Mess’ crew brings over 40 years of combined culinary expertise together for a fantastic dining experience you simply won’t find anywhere else. Just about every element of the menu is made from scratch, from buns baked fresh daily to house-made American cheese and ketchup. Even the meatless patties are made right next door by Hot Mess’s crew in the Red Mountain Kitchen.
Cara says that the best part about owning the business is “not being told ‘No, that will never work!’” And their weekly specials are a testament to that. A loving homage to Bob’s Burgers rotating menu, folks can expect to find a variety original creations ranging from things like their Krampusnacht (a ⅓ lb cheesy beef smash patty with german sausage and sauerkraut), to The Comfort Express (a beef Stroganoff-inspired burger), and the Tie Me Up Big Fry (their XL fry box covered in diced chicken tenders, Thai peanut sauce, and Thai slaw), alongside their standard regular menu of massive burgers and loaded fries.
But Hot Mess is about more than just good food. It’s about creating a space where people can show up as their authentic selves — whether that means loudly sharing space or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends in a welcoming environment.
Why create a third space?
For Cara, the inspiration behind Hot Mess Burgers and Fries was deeply personal. Cara shared her motivations with us: “Because there are so few places I feel comfortable in my own town… I would be damned if I didn't make one myself.” So, that’s exactly what she set out to do — create a space where everyone, especially members of marginalized communities, could feel valued and celebrated.
The result is a space that embodies the best kind of weirdness and subversion. Hot Mess isn’t just a food truck; it’s a statement: Visibility matters, and everyone deserves a seat at the table.
Fostering community
Hot Mess goes beyond serving delicious burgers; they actively foster community connections. Events like their “very queer and diverse” night markets, themed parties, and more. These gatherings bring people together in meaningful ways, providing a space for celebration and collaboration, shining a spotlight on warmth and creativity in the community. Hot Mess also does Chefs’ Giving every year — a community-funded “buy a stranger a burger” initiative. “Anyone with food insecurities is free to come by and take a ticket off the board and hand it to the cashier for a meal. No judgements, no questions asked,” Hot Mess says on their Facebook page.
Hot Mess’s open-air setup also encourages social interaction. Whether you’re enjoying a burger on your lunch break and checking out the community bulletin board, or striking up a conversation with folks you hadn’t met before, the space is designed to make everyone feel welcome.
“We’re loud and obnoxious and invite you to join in,” Cara says, describing the energy of Hot Mess.
It’s a philosophy that extends to their mission of creating visibility for queer folks in places where they’re not always seen or celebrated. In doing so, Hot Mess is reshaping perceptions and fostering understanding, one meal at a time.
A space to feel seen
Hot Mess isn’t just a gathering spot; it’s a place where people can feel truly seen. Cara and her team have cultivated an atmosphere of radical acceptance. Customers aren’t just patrons — they’re part of a growing community where every identity is valued.
From the first bite of a handcrafted burger to the warm camaraderie shared with strangers, Hot Mess is about creating experiences that stick with you long after you leave.
Join in
When you visit Hot Mess Burgers and Fries, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re becoming part of a community. It’s a space where burgers and fries create belonging and friendships, and where every meal is a celebration of individuality.
No matter what brings you by the truck, know this: at Hot Mess, you’re welcome exactly as you are. And if you leave feeling a little more seen, a little more connected, and a lot more full, well, that’s exactly the point.
The Third Space Project is a community effort created to increase awareness of Third Spaces in Tri-Cities, Washington. Now, more than ever, public spaces where people can communicate, socialize, collaborate, attain greater cultural awareness, and find comfort together are a dire necessity.
We’re choosing to focus on local businesses that have a comfortable place to exist alongside other folks, an intrinsic connection to our community, and an assurance of safety for folks who belong to traditionally underserved groups
We’ll be creating articles devoted to these businesses, provide information with respect to the services they provide, and also bring awareness to how these spaces are interacting with each other and their communities in order to provide emotional value beyond simply the business they conduct.
Find out more at https://thirdspaceproject.org
