A Puyallup family business suffered thousands of dollars in damage after its barbecue trailer was stolen from its driveway in broad daylight.
On Monday, someone pulled into the driveway of Marcoe’s Blackjack BBQ, hitched the company’s trailer to their pickup truck and drove off.
Owner Larry Marcoe told KIRO 7 that only one barbecue bucket is left.
At first, Marco thought maybe his brother-in-law had borrowed it, since it was a family business after all.
“Then I quickly realized, ‘No, they’re going to message me,'” Marco said. “And, it wasn’t long before what happened started to happen.”
In addition to his culinary skills, Marco is a social studies and drama teacher at nearby Starr Junior High School. He was in class with students when his competition-grade trailer was towed away.
“I have a class competition and I’m going to make ribs and chicken for my students tomorrow,” he lamented. “I had to tell them, ‘We’ve got to put this off for a minute.'”
Although there was no ring camera or any security footage of the suspect, neighbors described the suspect as a man wearing a mask and slovenly clothing.
Witnesses said he was driving a full-size white pickup truck with an orange tool box in the back.
As for the trailer, it’s already going viral. It traveled across the country and competed in places like Dallas and Memphis. So it was really frustrating that it was stolen outside Marcoe’s home.
“It just kicks you in the gut. It’s just a punch,” Marco said. “Because it’s more than just barbecue.”
It’s a family business, so the loss also cost the teacher-turned-chef a lot of money.
“This is not a cheap hobby,” he said. “I tell people it’s worth every penny because I get to spend time with my son and my family. So, we’re talking thousands of dollars.”
Cost aside, the idea for the trailer came about when one of Marco’s sons wanted to cook a nice steak dinner for his wife.
Since then, it has evolved into a full-blown family affair. Marco’s sisters, nieces and nephews are all involved.
But most of all, it was an experience he thoroughly enjoyed sharing with his two sons.
“It’s a great family connection. So, it’s not just a hobby. It’s a way for our family to get together seven, eight, nine, 10 times every summer,” Marcoe said proudly. “And, we had a great time. It gave us a reason to be together.”
The barbecue joint has had some recent success: In 2024, they won the Pacific Northwest Barbeque Association’s “New Team of the Year” award.
Marcoe said they had a great start to the 2025 season. And, they’re looking forward to the barbecue competition at the Puyallup Spring Fair.
Apparently, those plans are on hold for now as Puyallup police investigate the theft.
Marco praised the way the barbecue community has come together, especially during times like these. He said they reveled in each other’s victories and mourned each other’s failures.