It’s tough working in the food industry. In fact, it’s tough working in any industry when you’re not the one calling the shots. Some say the only way to make it to the top is to start from the bottom and do it all on your own. Wyatt McHaffie of Springfield, MO, and owner of the food truck Red, White & BBQ, has done just that.
McHaffie, who has been the owner of the truck since May of 2016, says that, “If you are in food service, you’re going to be working every important date in your life, typically until 11:00 p.m. or later.” That realization he says, “Led me to the belief that in order to have the life I wanted, I needed to be the one who called the shots.”
Placing his values and his yearning to be a part of a family high on his priority list, he decided that starting his own business was the way to go. “At 20 years of age, coming up with the kind of money it takes to begin and maintain a restaurant seemed next to impossible, so in the end, starting a food truck seemed to be the perfect fit.” He also said that being the owner allows him to spend more time with the people he loves, which has led to much more happiness for him and the people around him.
His fiancé, Caitlin Jewel, couldn’t agree more. “Before he started Red, White & BBQ, we didn’t really see him much. He worked long hours at the restaurant and missed out on a lot of stuff.” She also said that he was very unhappy towards the end of his time working in the restaurant business. “I’ve never seen him this genuinely happy, and that makes me even happier, seeing him do something he loves.”
Red, White & BBQ serves a menu comprised of smoked meats served in traditional and new and creative ways. “I didn’t want to be another pulled pork sandwich place, and even though we have done that from time to time, our core menu is comprised of loaded fries. We also carry our house smoked wings, which won first place in people’s choice at the annual 2016 Wingapalooza.”
His truck also won second place Buffalo wings, second place BBQ wings, and second place judges choice, in its first year of business and first year at Wingapalooza.
“I think the number one skill someone needs to have in order to make it in the business is problem solving. Being creative and coming up with solutions that normally wouldn’t be considered is the only way to make it through a busy night, because, as with most things, the general rule is, if it can go wrong, it will.”
Jill Porter, is a regular customer of McHaffie’s truck and appreciates the service she receives. “They are really the reason I keep coming back. The food is really good, but the service is even better. I recommend his truck to everyone I know.” Porter jokes that she and her friends are keeping his truck in business.
For McHaffie though, it’s not about the money. He says, “The knowledge that people are at least having a good meal despite whatever else happens the rest of their day is good for my soul, and far more rewarding than money ever could be.”
When asked his favorite part about owning the truck he says, “Since we started, I have gotten to see some really great moments, and good food—my food—is the thing that has made all of that possible.”
