JONESBORO, Ark. – Among the approximately 25,000 Black-owned businesses operating in Arkansas as of 2023, J&B’s Twizted BBQ has carved out its niche as a mobile food venture offering distinctive barbecue flavors to communities across northeast Arkansas.
The menu at J&B’s Twizted BBQ includes favorites such as smoked wings and loaded nachos. According to owner Jerald Larry, the idea for the food truck came from a combination of his daughter’s interest in cooking and his own long-standing enthusiasm for barbecue.
“What motivated me—obviously my passion for BBQ—around the time my daughter was 7 years old, she really was into culinary, and I always had a passion for BBQ,” Larry said. “The more I watched her grow in her love for food, I said I have to do something with this gift.”
The food truck operates on a flexible schedule, moving between locations throughout the region. Larry noted that each stop provides an opportunity to connect with his customers and that his first year basing operations in Jonesboro has been met with encouraging support.
“This is my first year actually anchoring down in Jonesboro, and the community has been great supporting us,” Larry said. “Even with our vast schedule and as many times as I’ve wanted to give up, I haven’t given up.”
Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, Larry remains optimistic about the future of J&B’s Twizted BBQ and other Black-owned enterprises. He emphasized the importance of community engagement in helping these businesses succeed and grow.
“It’s important to support Black-owned businesses so that we can have our voices in the community,” he said. “The more support we gain from the community as a whole, the more we are able to grow.”
Larry’s dedication to the food truck and its mission highlights not only his commitment to his craft but also the broader push for greater representation and opportunity within the regional business landscape.