Chinle’s BBQ Bus: Bringing together family, faith, and delicious flavors

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.

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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. F