>> The best BBQ spots in Dayton
Owner Teresa Smith describes her business as not a food truck, but rather a catering business that occasionally takes down-home style food to places like churches and farmers markets. After working with a partner for 25 years, Smith took over Wheel Be Roastin three years ago, and runs it out of her home and a storage facility.
>> Local BBQ restaurant snags ‘Best Sauce’ national award
“Different places know me, so they’ll call and I’ll go. I am not a food truck as such,” Smith said.
But she stays close to Vandalia mostly, where her van, giant roaster and food are a hit at the local farmers market.
"Really, we're known for our baby back ribs more than anything. No matter how many I take to the Vandalia Farmer's Market, I sell out," Smith said.
>> Your guide to Dayton food truck events in September
While I witnessed people devouring the ribs at a recent visit here in Dayton, I decided to go a little lighter with the marinated chicken breast dinner, which comes with two sides. After one look at the size of that chicken breast and those generous helpings of sides, I knew my meal was anything but “light.”
"We're known for our portions," Smith said afterwards.
>> College kid launches new made-to-order BBQ food truck in Dayton
Wheel Be Roastin offers five sauces from which to choose: BBQ, mild, hot, spicy garlic and Southern Gold -- my personal favorite. Southern Gold has a mustard base that helps give it some zest. The sauce is sweet with a hint of spice.
But, no matter how much sauce I used, I couldn’t quite cover the massive piece of meat I was given. As if that weren’t enough, I had more than adequate amounts of mac and cheese and barbecued green beans.
The mac and cheese was deliciously rich, but we’ve got to talk about the green beans. I’m not a big fan of them, but Wheel Be Roastin BBQ has the magic touch with theirs. Smith makes her green beans with barbecue sauce, ketchup, bacon, onions and brown sugar for a scrumptious flavoring like I’ve never had before.
>> We had a double-helping of this food truck for breakfast, and we’re still talking about it
While you may not see Wheel Be Roastin BBQ at many food truck rallies, it’s worth a visit to Vandalia or a call to set up catering for an event to taste what I’m talking about.
About the Author