Meet Troy Cunningham of Smoked Eatz Mobile Kitchen, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Cunningham.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Troy Cunningham, though most people know me as Chef Troy. I’m originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I moved to the South about 30 years ago. I’ve been in the restaurant industry since I was 16, building a career that eventually led me to more than three decades in corporate America within the food and hospitality world.

About six years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when I was falsely accused of a crime. Although I was fully exonerated, I found it nearly impossible to re-enter corporate America. Faced with that reality and driven by my responsibility to provide for my family, I made the decision to bet on myself.

That’s when entrepreneurship was born. I saw a smoker for sale and had a vision, creating a mobile kitchen that would bring authentic, smoked Southern cuisine directly to the people. What started as a necessity became a passion, and today, that vision continues to drive everything I do as Chef Troy.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape the journey. Even with years of experience as a chef, stepping into the world of smoked cuisine meant starting over in some ways. I had to learn how to operate an offset smoker, which is an art of its own…managing fire, temperature, and timing on a large-scale smoker was one of my earliest hurdles.

Today, my biggest challenge looks very different, and I see it as a blessing. The demand has grown beyond what a mobile operation can handle. The business has outgrown the smoker, and that’s pushed me to the next dream which is establishing a brick-and-mortar location so I can expand operations and continue serving the community at a higher level. What once felt like obstacles have become signs that growth is happening.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Smoked Eatz Mobile Kitchen, LLC, our concept is simple but powerful: everything is smoked. From the meats to the sides, and even the desserts, “ERRRTHANG” is smoked. We were established in July 2020 and specialize in authentic smoked barbecue that blends Southern tradition with creativity and heart.

Our menu features smoked ribs, chicken, salmon, and more, but we’re especially known for our fan favorites, our rib tips, smoked mac and cheese, smoked collard greens, and our signature smoked peach cobbler. That full-smoke approach is what truly sets us apart. Smoking isn’t just a technique for us; it’s our identity.

What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is our growth year after year and the community that has embraced what we do. Smoked Eatz was built from the ground up, and every plate reflects resilience, passion, and pride in the craft.
I want readers to know that when you eat at Smoked Eatz, you’re getting food that’s cooked fresh daily, made with love, and prepared personally by me, Chef Troy. This isn’t just barbecue; it’s a labor of love and a brand rooted in authenticity, perseverance, and flavor.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Growing up as the oldest of ten children, some of my favorite childhood memories are the simplest ones. I remember standing on the porch with my dad while he grilled, watching the smoke rise and learning patience, care, and pride in doing things the right way. Those moments weren’t just about food, they were about togetherness, responsibility, and love.

I also cherished going fishing with my dad. It was quiet time, filled with conversation, laughter, and lessons that didn’t always need words. Looking back, those porch-side cookouts and fishing trips planted the seeds for who I am today, both as a chef and as a man.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/Smokedeatz/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smoked_eatz_mobil_kitchen_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smokedeatz/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/smoked-eatz-mobile-kitchen-llc