Lakeview Bar-B-Q Food Truck Bids Farewell Amidst Rising Costs
March 31, 2024
In a bittersweet announcement today, Tom Ashley, the owner of Lakeview Bar-B-Q Food Truck and Catering, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the community for their unwavering support over the years. However, amidst the relentless surge in operational expenses including food costs, insurance premiums, and fuel prices, Ashley made the difficult decision to shutter the beloved food truck.
“First, I would like to say THANK YOU for all the support that you have given us!! With the rising food costs, insurance, fuel, and everything else that goes along with it, I’ve had to make the difficult decision and have decided to close,” shared Ashley in his poignant message to loyal patrons.
Before bidding their final farewell, Ashley and his team plan to make their presence felt one last time at two upcoming events: The Shrine Rodeo at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds this Friday on 4/5, and at South Bend Winery in Greenwood on 4/13. Following these appearances, Ashley will be selling the food truck that has served as a symbol of their culinary passion and community engagement.
This decision comes as a profound turning point for Lakeview Bar-B-Q Food Truck and Catering, a venture that blossomed from humble beginnings to become a beloved fixture in Laurens County and beyond.
Reflecting on their journey, Tom Ashley and his wife Shannon, co-owners of Lakeview Bar-B-Q, LLC, expressed their deep appreciation for the opportunity to share their love of barbecue with the community. “Feeding people and seeing them enjoy the food is such a great thing,” remarked Ashley during a Chamber event in January 2023, reflecting on the joy their venture brought to countless patrons.
The journey of Lakeview Bar-B-Q Food Truck and Catering began with passion and dedication. Tom Ashley’s experimentation with barbecue at home soon evolved into a thriving catering business, prompting the establishment of Lakeview Bar-B-Q, LLC in early 2020. As demand soared, the decision was made to expand their operation with the purchase of a custom food truck in early 2022.
The arrival of their food truck in April 2022 marked a milestone for Lakeview Bar-B-Q, as it became a staple at local events and gatherings, including the grand opening of Palmetto Brothers Dispensary.
Through their commitment to quality, community, and culinary excellence, Lakeview Bar-B-Q Food Truck and Catering carved out a special place in the hearts of their patrons. However, the challenges posed by the ever-increasing costs proved insurmountable, prompting the difficult decision to bring their journey to a close.
