If you’re searching for the bomb bbq food truck wichita ks, the short answer is that the original truck is no longer operating. It closed permanently in January 2023 after six years in business, and the team behind it now runs a catering company called MOAB BBQ. This guide walks through the truck’s history, why it closed, and exactly where to find the same food and the same people today, since a lot of directories and listings online still show outdated information.
Quick Answer: Is the Bomb BBQ Food Truck Wichita KS Still Around?
No, the food truck itself has closed. The business was founded in 2016 by Troy and Lia Evans and built a loyal following before Troy passed away in 2022. New owners took over the assets, retired the original name, and relaunched the business as MOAB BBQ, short for Mother of All Bombs, a nod to the original truck’s name and story. MOAB BBQ continues to serve the same recipes, mostly through catering rather than daily food truck stops.
This is worth knowing upfront because several review sites, directories, and wedding vendor listings still describe the Bomb BBQ as an active, bookable food truck. That information hasn’t been accurate since early 2023.
The Story Behind the Original Food Truck
The Bomb BBQ started in 2016, founded by Troy and Lia Evans. Troy was a retired armament and munitions specialist, often called a “bomb builder” in military slang, which is where the truck’s name came from. He served 25 years in the military with three deployments, and that background shaped much of the truck’s identity and mission from the start.
The truck served Wichita along with nearby communities such as Clearwater, Augusta, Andale, Conway Springs, and Cheney. Regulars have described the shredded smoked sirloin sandwich, ammo beans, and brisket beefy chili as standout menu items, along with a self-serve table of house-made pickles and sauces that set the truck apart from typical BBQ stands. For anyone interested in the cooking side of outdoor food, techniques such as using a grill can also make a noticeable difference in how smoked and grilled foods turn out.
Community Support Was Part of the Business Model
One detail that set this truck apart from most food trucks was its charitable giving. Ten percent of sales went to Passageways, a Wichita veteran’s homeless shelter, which tied directly into Troy’s own military background and his desire to give back to fellow veterans. This kind of consistent, built-in giving is relatively rare for a small food truck operation, and it’s part of why the business earned strong loyalty in the local community.
That same spirit carried over after the transition to new ownership, just directed toward a different organization, which is covered in the next section.
Why the Bomb BBQ Food Truck Closed
Troy Evans passed away in 2022, and the loss understandably changed the future of the business. Two new owners, Denise and Tina, stepped in and purchased the truck’s assets. They had already been closely involved with the business by helping run catering events, so the transition kept much of the original team and recipes intact even as the name and focus changed.
Rather than continuing to operate under the Bomb BBQ name, the new owners chose to retire it out of respect for Troy and launched a new venture called MOAB BBQ, an acronym that stands for Mother of All Bombs. The permanent closure was announced publicly in January 2023, and the business has operated as MOAB BBQ ever since.
| Detail | The Bomb BBQ (2016 to 2023) | MOAB BBQ (2023 to present) |
|---|---|---|
| Founder/Owner | Troy and Lia Evans | Tina Collins (current owner) |
| Business type | Daily food truck stops and catering | Primarily catering, occasional truck appearances |
| Charity supported | Passageways veteran shelter | Kansas Honor Flight Network |
| Status | Permanently closed | Actively operating |
| Core menu style | BBQ, comfort food, Mexican, Italian, Cajun | Same recipes and cuisine styles |
MOAB BBQ: Where the Bomb BBQ Team Is Today
MOAB BBQ & Catering is run by owner Tina Collins and continues to use the recipes and smoking techniques Troy Evans developed. The business is still listed as a member of the Wichita Food Truck Coalition, an industry group that represents local mobile food vendors, though the day-to-day focus has shifted toward private catering for weddings, corporate events, and graduations rather than parking at regular public spots.
The company’s own site notes it catered 56 weddings, 45 corporate events, and 21 graduations in 2022 alone, which gives a sense of how active the catering side of the business already was even before the full rebrand took effect. The menu still spans BBQ, comfort food, Mexican, Italian, and Cajun options, along with soups, salads, breakfast catering, and desserts, so the variety that made the original truck popular has carried over.
A portion of MOAB BBQ’s proceeds now supports the Kansas Honor Flight Network instead of Passageways. This is an all-volunteer organization that provides fully funded trips to Washington, D.C. for Kansas veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War so they can visit the memorials built in their honor.
How to Book or Order From MOAB BBQ Today
If you were hoping to track down the old food truck for a casual meal, your best current option is booking MOAB BBQ for catering rather than expecting to find a truck parked somewhere in town. Here’s a general idea of how the process works based on the information the business currently publishes.
- Decide on your event type. MOAB BBQ caters weddings, corporate events, graduations, reunions, and other private gatherings rather than operating daily public stops.
- Review the menu categories. Options include BBQ meats, comfort food, Italian, Mexican, appetizers, desserts, breakfast, and soup and salad selections.
- Check current starting pricing. As of the most recent published menu, a basic BBQ meat dinner plate with pulled pork, beans, mac and cheese, slaw, smoked chicken, and a bun starts at $14 per person, with upgrades available for items like brisket, ribs, and burnt ends. Prices are subject to change, so confirm current rates directly with the business before finalizing a booking.
- Contact the business directly. Reach out by phone or email to check availability, since smaller catering operations tend to book up during peak wedding and event seasons.
- Confirm details in writing. Get a clear written agreement on menu selections, guest count, and pricing before your event date to avoid surprises.
Common Mistakes When Searching for This Business
A surprising number of online listings still cause confusion for people searching for this truck, so it helps to know what to watch out for.
- Relying on old directory listings. Several wedding vendor sites and food truck directories still describe the business as if the original truck is bookable under its old name.
- Assuming it’s a daily food truck. MOAB BBQ operates mainly through pre-booked catering rather than regular public stops, so don’t expect to find it parked somewhere on a whim.
- Searching only for the old name. Since the rebrand, searching specifically for MOAB BBQ Wichita will usually surface more current results than searching for the original name alone.
- Skipping direct confirmation. Menu items and starting prices can change, so it’s worth confirming details directly rather than trusting older cached information.
Finding Other Active BBQ Food Trucks in Wichita
If you’re specifically looking for a food truck you can visit on short notice rather than booking catering, the Wichita Food Truck Coalition maintains a member directory that lists active local food trucks and mobile vendors. Its current directory includes MOAB BBQ, making it a useful place to check before relying on older listings or reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bomb BBQ food truck still operating in Wichita?
No, the original food truck permanently closed in January 2023. The team behind it now operates as MOAB BBQ, focusing mainly on catering rather than daily public food truck stops.
Why did the Bomb BBQ close?
Founder Troy Evans passed away in 2022, and the new owners chose to retire the original name out of respect for him while continuing the business under a new one, MOAB BBQ.
What is MOAB BBQ, and is it the same as the Bomb BBQ?
MOAB BBQ is the direct successor to the Bomb BBQ, run by the same core team using Troy Evans’ original recipes and smoking techniques. The name stands for Mother of All Bombs, a nod to the original business.
Does MOAB BBQ still operate a food truck?
MOAB BBQ is still listed as a member of the Wichita Food Truck Coalition, but its primary focus is now private catering for weddings, corporate events, and similar gatherings rather than regular public truck stops.
How much does MOAB BBQ catering cost?
Based on the business’s published menu, a basic BBQ meat dinner plate starts around $14 per person, with additional charges for upgraded meats like brisket or ribs. Since pricing can change, it’s best to confirm current rates directly with the caterer.
What charity does MOAB BBQ support?
A percentage of proceeds benefits the Kansas Honor Flight Network, an all-volunteer organization that provides fully funded trips for Kansas veterans to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. This replaced the original truck’s support of Passageways, a local veteran’s homeless shelter.
What kind of food did the Bomb BBQ serve?
The menu centered on BBQ items like smoked sirloin sandwiches, brisket chili, and hot links, alongside sides like ammo beans and a self-serve table of house-made pickles and sauces. MOAB BBQ has continued offering these same recipes along with broader comfort food, Mexican, and Italian options.
How do I book MOAB BBQ for an event?
You can reach out through their official contact channels to check availability and discuss menu options for your event. Because it’s a small operation, popular dates during wedding season can book up quickly, so early contact is recommended.
Final Thoughts
The bomb bbq food truck wichita ks that so many people fell in love with is no longer parked around town, but its story didn’t end there. The same team, the same recipes, and the same commitment to supporting veterans live on through MOAB BBQ, just in catering form rather than daily food truck stops. If you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or any gathering that calls for genuinely good barbecue with a meaningful backstory, reaching out to MOAB BBQ directly is the best way to get an accurate quote and current menu.
