View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
CHINLE – For 13 years, the local BBQ Bus has been a staple serving up delicious comfort food from a converted school bus. What started as a small food truck with a limited menu has grown into a full-fledged mobile kitchen with a devoted local following. Behind the bus’s success is a story of family, faith, and hard work.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Theresa Montoya, who manages the BBQ Bus and has been with the team for many years, has played a crucial role since its inception. Starting out as a delivery driver, she eventually shifted to a full-time position on the bus as the business evolved in response to increasing fuel prices. Throughout her journey, she has witnessed the transformation of the bus from a small shuttle into a spacious, fully-equipped school bus, complete with custom gear and an enticing menu that keeps customers coming back for more.
Montoya reminisced, “Initially, we had a weekly rotation of meals like spaghetti, meatloaf, and my aunt's renowned green chili chicken enchiladas.” As patrons expressed their desires, the menu began to grow in response to their feedback. “Our owner prepares his barbecue sauce from the ground up. Even the Sloppy Joe sauce is made in-house.”
Home-cooked meals
The BBQ Bus has consistently emphasized its commitment to homemade quality. Montoya shared how their use of fresh ingredients distinguishes them from typical fast food options. “We don’t rely on timers in our kitchen. Each dish is carefully monitored and prepared by hand. Our vegetables are chopped fresh every morning, and we never use frozen meat.”
The team's path to achievement has certainly faced its share of obstacles. One significant challenge was frying fries, primarily due to inadequate equipment. For a long time, they could only provide chips since their fryers were positioned outside the bus, exposed to the weather. However, with recent upgrades, they have broadened their menu to include offerings such as chili dogs, cheese fries, and their renowned BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. "I love grabbing a pulled pork sandwich for lunch," mentioned a customer during their break from the Chinle IHS, "but you have to get there early; otherwise, they might run out."
Beyond just a food truck
However, the BBQ Bus represents more than merely a food truck; it embodies the family's strong connections to Chinle and their beliefs.
Gregory Scott, the owner of the bus, shared, “We purchased our first bus when my wife and I relocated from Chicago to Chinle. It was priced similarly to renting a U-Haul, and I intended to sell it after our move to recoup my expenses.”
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
“I kept insisting to everyone how amazing a food truck idea it was,” he shared. “But no one seemed interested, so I eventually convinced myself to create my own food truck. That’s how our journey began.”
Scott, who is not a native, serves as the pastor of the Memorial Baptist Church in the area, while Montoya takes on the role of Sunday school teacher. Her journey with the church started nine years ago when she was encouraged to assist with teaching. Since then, she has remained committed, experiencing personal development and a stronger bond with her community.
"I was raised in a church environment, but the moment I entered this particular one, I truly experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit for the first time," Montoya recounted. "Now, I have the joy of teaching the children from the Bible, and it's incredibly fulfilling to watch their faces brighten as they learn."
The church operates a monthly food pantry, helping families in need gain access to nutritious food. This commitment to service is mirrored in the mission of the BBQ Bus, which aims to deliver high-quality meals prepared with love for the community.
Starting from modest origins and evolving into a cherished establishment in Chinle, the BBQ Bus exemplifies dedication, culinary skill, and the strength of family backing. In the words of Montoya, “Our mission is to provide delicious food and contribute positively to our community.”
