Loaded Smoke Wagon

By Christy Porter, Managing Editor

The Loaded Smoke Wagon food truck is definitely loaded with good BBQ and unique twists on BBQ favorites. Darrell and Maggie Sharp rolled into the Friendly Village Shopping Center, West Hwy. 32, on Rodeo Weekend, opened the window and began to serve the Licking community.

Menu items begin with St. Louis style pork ribs, by the rack or portions – “They get better every minute left on the smoker,” shared Darrell. “Pull the bone out and enjoy the meat.”

Pulled pork is served on a sandwich or on the Smoke Wagon Spud, Loaded Fries or Loaded Nachos.

Locally raised beef (Kovachik Farm) is used for the hamburgers and the Smokehouse Burger with cheese, which is topped with pulled pork and their original Smoked Wagon Sauce.

There’s brisket on the menu and the coleslaw is made with their own sweet and tangy special sauce.

The Loaded Smoke Wagon is currently open on Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. or until sold out. If you’re running a few minutes late, stop anyway; if they have the BBQ, they’ll serve it. They’ve even been known to deliver short distances. They can also provide large quantity food service and catering per request.

The food truck will be open year round and the goal is to eventually add Thursday and Sunday to their hours of business. Future plans also include a greater variety of menu items including additional sandwiches, dinner choices and seasonal offerings. Long-term aspirations include a brick and mortar location.

In the near future, the Loaded Smoke Wagon is planning a Grand Opening, at which time the expanded menu will be introduced and a card reader will be available, changing the “Cash Only” policy currently in effect.

 

This is Maggie’s hometown, and when she and husband Darrell, a Springfield native, decided they wanted their son, Cooper, to be raised close to family, in a smaller town with a simpler way of life and slower pace, Licking was their choice.

Together the two have 30-years combined food service experience. Darrell previously owned and operated Bones R Smokin’ a BBQ food truck in west Missouri, and has also worked as a food and beverage coordinator. Prior to relocating to Licking, he was employed at a pool company in Springfield, which he enjoyed, but he is happy to be back in the food industry.

Maggie is a Registered Nurse with Mercy Hospital in Springfield, a career spanning 15-years.

Ironically they met at a Red Lobster Restaurant and knew almost immediately it was right between them.

Visit them at Friendly Village Shopping Center on Friday and Saturday, check out their offerings on Facebook and/or Instagram: Loaded Smoke Wagon, or they may be contacted at 417-861-6754.