Story

Every great barbecue has a story behind it—one that’s slow-cooked, full of passion, and just a little bit messy. The story of RJ BBQ is no different. It wasn’t just about cooking meat over fire; it was about bringing people together, creating something that felt like home, and serving up the kind of flavors that keep folks coming back for more. It all started with a love for barbecue. Not just any barbecue, but the kind that makes people stop mid-bite, close their eyes, and savor every smoky, juicy, fall-off-the-bone moment. That love turned into a dream—one that involved a food truck, a smoker, and a lot of long nights perfecting recipes. From Backyard to Business Before there was an RJ BBQ food truck, there were backyard cookouts. Friends and family would gather around, drawn in by the smell of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork slow-cooking to perfection. Those weekends were filled with laughter, full bellies, and plenty of “You should sell this!” comments. At first, it was just a hobby—a way to bring people together. But as the compliments piled up, so did the idea of turning this passion into something real. Starting a food business isn’t easy, especially in a small town. But the vision was clear: serve great barbecue, keep it simple, and let the food speak for itself. With that in mind, RJ BBQ took its first big leap—getting a food truck. The First Fire There’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your business roll down the road for the first time. The truck wasn’t fancy, but it had heart—and more importantly, it had a smoker. The first event was a mix of excitement and nerves. Would people show up? Would they like the food? Would the smoker cooperate? The answer came quickly. As soon as the smoke started rolling, so did the crowd. The smell of slow-smoked brisket and house-made sauces filled the air, and before long, the line was stretching down the block. People didn’t just want food—they wanted an experience, and RJ BBQ was ready to deliver. Building a Community One thing about running a food truck is that you learn real fast that it’s about more than just food—it’s about the people. Every stop, every county fair, every event was a chance to meet new faces, hear stories, and share a meal with folks from all walks of life. RJ BBQ became more than just a place to eat; it became a part of the community. Through the years, the business has grown, the menu has expanded, and the team has gotten bigger. But at its core, RJ BBQ is still the same as it was on day one—a love for great barbecue, a commitment to quality, and a mission to serve up meals that bring people together. And that’s just the beginning. The fire is still burning, the smoke is still rolling, and RJ BBQ is just getting started.