A new take on American barbecue is coming to Lake Havasu City.
In the spotlight is the Armstrong family, who opened a mobile food trailer a month ago. After recently relocating from Rancho Cucamonga, California, the family created Stubby’s Red Wagon Barbecue as a way to introduce locals to their “sophisticated” style of cooking.
Behind Stubby’s is Regina Armstrong, Operations Manager, and her husband, Dave Armstrong, who is a cook and co-owner. The couple’s son, Christian Armstrong, is also co-owner and chef at Stubby’s.
The company takes its name from a personal event Dave Armstrong experienced 20 years ago. As Regina Armstrong explained, her husband had an unfortunate accident, a gun accident. This forced Dave Armstrong to amputate her right hand, she continued.
Regina Armstrong says the direct experience of one-armed chefs exposes her business to her customers.
“It also helps deal with loss. Socially, people can be very cruel when they are out of the ordinary and in general when something is different, which can be really painful for someone.” ‘, explains Dave Armstrong. “In my case, I’ve been hiding all along. Now I can talk and educate people about this instead of them walking away.”
For the past 20 years, Dave Armstrong has demonstrated his passion for cooking through weddings and other large-scale events. Friends and family who attended these gatherings often asked him about his future business endeavors. Dave Armstrong said his only previous business experience was at the auto repair shop he bought some time ago.
Through a personal learning experience, Dave Armstrong sent his son to Grand Canyon University for a business degree, he says. Dave, his Mr. Armstrong, is eager to take his own “life lessons” and his son’s college education to a successful new business.
Together, the father-son duo introduce Havasu to their unique barbecue technique.
“He knows as much as I do. We make our own seasonings, dry rubs, sauces and marinades,” continued Dave Armstrong. “Everything starts from scratch. Nothing comes out of the bottle unless it’s raw herbs or something like that.”
The Armstrong family describes their take on barbecue cuisine as embracing strong, bold flavors.
Dining guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of meats including sausage, chicken, pork and beef. Hearty side dishes such as macaroni and cheese complement the family’s main course.
“I like to cater to people. Whatever they want, I’m going to put it on the menu next week,” said Dave Armstrong. “Four or five days before the event, he marinates all the meat and all the ingredients for extra flavor and tenderness and a higher barbeque level.”
The Armstrongs made their first public appearance at Full Throttle Water X last weekend. This first event was the first of many local gatherings that Dave Armstrong will attend.
For now, the Armstrongs are developing a menu and finding a place to settle down.
“We cook with love, and it’s really something special,” said Dave Armstrong. “Every meal we serve puts our heart and soul into it.”
For more information about Stubby’s Red Wagon BBQ, call 928-490-0507, email stubbysredwagonbbq@gmail.com, or search ‘Stubby’s Red Wagon BBQ’ on Facebook or Instagram.
