Food trucks roll into Smithville’s dining scene
Food trucks roll into Smithville’s dining scene
In recent years, food trucks have evolved from occasional fairground novelties into an important part of everyday dining culture, offering chef-crafted meals from compact, mobile kitchens. In small towns and large cities alike, these rolling restaurants have developed loyal social-media followings, established regular lunch routes, and become popular caterers for community events.
That national trend has found a home in Smithville. Over the next two weeks, this two-part series will spotlight food trucks that regularly serve the community, beginning with three mobile vendors residents can count on for daily and weekly stops.
Fireman One Bar-B-Que: The original
Many Smithville residents remember Fireman One Bar-B-Que as the town’s first food truck to operate daily.
Owner Roy Merriman, known throughout Smithville as “Fireman One,” opened the barbecue truck in the MAPCO parking lot in July 2017. The truck quickly became a familiar local lunch stop.
In 2025, Merriman sold the food truck to husband-and-wife team Chase and Meagan Highfill, who have continued the business at the same MAPCO location.
Big Daddy Bites: The next generation
The Highfills grew up in the food-service industry and brought that experience to their own venture, Big Daddy Bites.
Chase Highfill began working at a barbecue restaurant in Murfreesboro when he was 16 years old, while Meagan Highfill gained experience as a server in local restaurants. The couple, parents of a 9-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter, opened Big Daddy Bites while continuing to operate from the familiar MAPCO location.
One of their first customers included a longtime customer of Fireman One, Miss Shelia who ordered the fried bologna sandwich. Unfortunately, her sandwich was not prepared the way that was made before. She called Merriman to complain, who contacted the new owners on how they make her sandwich. Later she decided that she would invent her own creation that has evolved into the bestselling Shelia fries a combination of curly fries
Fresh, Flavorful and Filling Menu
Big Daddy Bites serves hearty comfort food for lunch, and casual dining. Its menu includes hand-patted burgers, such as the Mushroom Swiss Burger, topped with grilled onions and Swiss cheese, and the Spicy Daddy, which features jalapeños, Serrano peppers, and pepper jack cheese.
The truck also offers smoked barbecue that is smoked on location and loaded barbecue nachos and the BBQ Jumbo Spud; a baked potato topped with pulled pork and other hearty additions. Along with its burgers, loaded fries and tater dishes, Big Daddy Bites has built a menu centered on generous portions and bold flavors.
Call ahead and door dash available
Customers often comment on the friendly, welcoming service provided by the owners and staff. Because meals are prepared fresh to order, wait times can reach about 30 minutes during busy periods. Regular customers suggest calling ahead for pickup when time is limited.
Big Daddy Bites 128 E. Broad St. Smithville – MAPCO parking lot
Phone orders – 615-300-7180
Hours – Monday & Tuesday 8am – 2pm
Wednesday- Saturday 8am – 2pm
Friday – 4:30pm – 8pm
Smithville Food Trucks Offer Flavor and Convenience
Smithville’s food-truck scene continues to grow, giving residents more ways to enjoy fresh, locally prepared meals without leaving town. In the second installment of this two-part series, we visit two more mobile kitchens that have become welcome stops for lunch, supper, and community gatherings—each bringing its own flavors, specialties, and personality to the local dining landscape.
HOTGo Food Truck
Every Thursday, the HOTGo Food Truck becomes a popular lunch destination outside Tractor Supply in Smithville. The truck offers a convenient stop for shoppers, employees and residents looking for a freshly prepared meal served with a friendly hometown touch.
HOTGo is owned by Chris and Greg Robinson, both Smithville natives who were born and raised in the community. Their local roots, combined with experience in the restaurant and events business, have helped them create a food-truck menu with plenty of variety for customers with different tastes.
The menu includes appetizers, fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, entrées, and desserts. Whether customers are in the mood for a lighter lunch or a hearty Southern-style meal, HOTGo offers a range of choices prepared to satisfy. Popular customer favorites include the fried catfish basket, fish sandwich and classic Reuben sandwich.
The Robinsons’ personal favorite is the fried pork chop sandwich. It features a seasoned fried pork chop topped with the owners’ special seasoning blend and finished with a drizzle of honey, combining savory flavor with a touch of sweetness.
In addition to operating the food truck, Chris and Greg own Helen’s on the Green, a restaurant and event space at McMinnville Country Club. They also operate an event venue at Short Mountain Distillery. Their work across restaurants, catering and events brings added experience to their mobile kitchen and gives HOTGo a menu built around quality food, variety, and service.
For Smithville residents who enjoy trying something different or picking up a convenient meal on a busy Thursday, HOTGo Food Truck is a flavorful local option worth seeking out.
The Slick Pig BBQ Food Truck
Smithville barbecue fans can also enjoy the flavors of the popular Slick Pig BBQ restaurant in Murfreesboro without making the trip out of town. The Slick Pig BBQ food truck makes stops in Smithville and other nearby communities, bringing its signature slow-smoked meats and Southern favorites directly to local customers.
The busy truck also serves corporate functions, private parties, and special events, making it an option for gatherings as well as everyday meals. Managed by Chris Dykes, the Slick Pig truck offers a menu centered on barbecue classics and familiar comfort foods.
Customers can choose sandwiches made with smoked pulled pork or Texas-style smoked brisket. Other customer favorites include Southern fried catfish and hickory-smoked chicken wings.
For families deciding what to have for supper, the Family Pack provides an easy meal option. It includes one pound of barbecue pork along with a selection of the truck’s popular sides. The most popular side is Original Papa and Memaw Robinson’s potato salad, made with secret ingredients that keep customers guessing and coming back for more.
Together, HOTGo Food Truck and the Slick Pig BBQ food truck show how mobile kitchens are expanding the local dining scene. From fresh sandwiches and catfish baskets to smoked brisket, barbecue pork and chicken wings, Smithville residents have more convenient choices for satisfying meals, whether they are grabbing lunch during a busy day, picking up dinner for the family or planning food for a special gathering.
For the weekly food truck schedule and location updates, follow HOTGo Food Truck and Slick Pig BBQ Food Truck on Facebook.
About the Author
Mark MyGrant is a retired educator turned food writer and blogger.
To read more view Mark’s blog at Whatscookingsmithville.com