Jeff and Jodi Arment, owners of Lynnville’s Smokin J’s BBQ, weren’t fooling when they decided to provide nearly 300 free lunches to truckers passing by I-80 exit 164 near the Newton Speedway on Wednesday, Apr. 1.
The idea of a free trucker lunch was fueled by ample downtime and conversation the couple has had since COVID-19 has temporarily halted them from welcoming patrons inside their Lynnville restaurant. Although they are still open for takeout on the weekends, the couple’s dining and catering part of the business has been put on hold.
“With everything going on in the world today, we take nothing for granted and think about the little things in life more,” said Jeff.
Just like others across the nation, the Arments have gained a deeper appreciation for the industries that keep America rolling.
They decided to pay it forward to the hard-working men and women who are on the roads every day, delivering goods across the nation. “Take a moment to look around your house...100% of what is in your home at one point in time was on a semi. We all need to thank them now and in the future for keeping the United States of America going,” said Jeff.
The Arments, generous sponsors, and a small army of volunteers did just that. Through their connections and in just a week’s time, Jeff and Jodi were able to secure donated goods from Sysco thanks to their rep and Jeff’s best friend since kindergarten, Troy Brand of Sully. “Sysco was all-in once I made the call for help,” said Jeff. “They basically provided the meal, sides, and containers.”
AmericInn, the hotel directly across from the Love’s Travel Stop, agreed to let the Arments set up the trailer in their parking lot. Jeff and Jodi had a group of volunteers eager to serve within minutes of putting out the call for help.
Jeff and Jodi started preparations the day, before and on Wednesday morning, Apr. 1, set up “shop” in the AmericInn parking lot and went to work. Jeff set up his large grill on-site to cook burgers and brats, and three people worked in the couple’s BBQ trailer. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Lynnville Smokin’ J’s served 286 meals to truckers who passed by. The meals consisted of either a pulled pork sandwich, cheeseburger, hamburger, or brat, a bag of potato chips, potato salad, and Oreo fluff. In addition to Jeff and Jodi, the “best crew either directed trucks, packed bags, were runners, or handed the truck drivers their meals,” said Jeff.
The response from everyone involved – from the truckers to the volunteers to the Arments – was one of overwhelming gratitude. “It was such a rewarding and humbling experience. The truckers were so thankful. I’m going to get choked up every time I hear an air horn for a while,” said Jodi. Many thank you’s and blowing horns were heard as the truckers graciously accepted the free meals and continued their route. “One driver even cried as he pulled out, saying ‘thank you, we love you,’” said Jeff.
The day wouldn’t have been a success without the generous donation from Sysco or the help from volunteers. “We would like to thank everyone who helped make this possible today: Troy Brand; Crystal Montgomery; Mitzi Smith; Heather Riedlinger and Lola; Ryan, Kelli, and Kendric Johnson; Bev Van Genderen; Rick Cox; Ernie, Mindy, Abigail, and Madelyn Adkison; Colten Arment; Cathy Elkins for her baked goods; Teresa at AmericInn for letting us set up; and Newton Girl Scout Troop 125,” said Jeff.
