Meet Virgil Toombs:  A husband, father, grandfather, a retired Army Veteran, a local farmer, a tornado survivor – and in his newest venture, an owner of a local food truck, The Joint.

Toombs first came to the area years ago as an active duty member of the Armed Forces; after retiring he decided to take up farming and purchased a home in Abilene.

“After I retired I started farming and ranching and in that process of farming and ranching I began to butcher my own meat and with butchering my own meat and me thinking I’m a very good cook – I thought ‘hey, it’ll be cool to own a food truck,” said Toombs.

Toombs met his future partner at church one day while discussing their love of cooking.

“I met him at church one day and he was telling me how good of a cook he was….[I told him] if he can satisfy [their] palettes from what he cooks, then I’ll buy a truck,” said Toombs.

A family potluck and many meals later, Toombs and Timothy Randolph, aka TJ, were drafting up their business plans.

Today, you can find Virgil or TJ on the corner of Grant Avenue and Washington Street in Junction City next to Nelson’s Liquor.

As for their menu, think home-cooked and delicious.

“We offer anything; barbecue rib platters, chicken platters, pulled pork, fried catfish, tilapia, chicken wings…I’m finding out that everybody loves the collard green egg rolls, the philadelphia cheese egg rolls, and a thing we call buffalo rolls,” said Toombs.

With his new business venture booming, the tornado that tore through Dickinson county this past May almost damped his success. Toombs’ home was severely impacted resulting in a near total loss.

“Most people think that the tornado is a disaster, and one thing I learned from having the tornado hit my home is not that it was a disaster, but it shows how the community pulls together,” said Toombs. “My neighbors, friends, family just bombarded me with all kinds of help, all kinds of support.”

The tornado destroyed Toombs’ barn, resulted in the loss of some of his animals, and took the roof off his home – in addition to other damages.

“I see the tornado as a blessing…yes it destroyed the house, but it shows the fabric of the community….me and my family were wanting to remodel [the house] but now we have to rebuild, so now my wife gets the house that she wants,” said Toombs. “I always look for a silver lining in everything.”

Toombs and Randolph, co-owners of The Joint also offer catering services. For more information call 706-761-8830 or email thejointmobileeatery@gmail.com.

Find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:  jointfoodtruck.

An extended feature interview will be on the radio station 1420 AM Tuesday, September 6th during the 5:00 pm news hour.

We want to hear about more good news in the community! If you, or someone you know should be featured please email dee.mcdougald@eagleradio.net .