The Tri-R-Tips BBQ food truck was a mainstay in Owensboro for over 6 years before relocating to Panama City, Florida, in 2022. The owners recently announced they are returning home for 1 week only from March 19-23.
The schedule for the week is below:
March 19: US Bank on Moreland Ave. for lunch; Deer Valley for dinner
March 20: Active Day for lunch; Cedar Hill for dinner
March 21: Hancock County Career Center for lunch; Landsdowne for dinner
March 22: Livermore Library for lunch; Keenland Trace for dinner
March 23: Owensboro Middle School for lunch; Harbor Hills for dinner
The truck debuted at the 39th Annual International Bar-B-Q Festival and quickly became a local favorite, introducing the tri-state to Hawaiian-style barbecue. The announcement came on their Facebook page on January 3, encouraging neighborhoods, companies, and churches to begin requesting dates.
Nicholas and Amber Rose launched the food truck in 2014 in Redding, California, before relocating to Owensboro. The food truck’s signature look and flavorful dishes became popular throughout western Kentucky.
“We are overwhelmed by all the excitement already,” Amber Rose said. “Everyone that has seen that we are making a return has been commenting and saying how they have plans to visit us every day that we are there.”
Many will remember the truck’s hype-man, the Roses’ son Triton, who was often the face of the business at local events. Triton joined his other 3 siblings to assist with several elements of the company, but marketing was his strong suit.
“Well, I’m 6 years old, and our food is delicious. Can I tell you what is really delicious? Our new slushies! There’s a new one that is called the American; I helped name it. It’s red, white, and blue.” Triton said in an interview with Owensboro Parent Magazine in 2022.
Rose said people are constantly messaging or commenting on Facebook asking when they will return. They decided spring break would be perfect since Panama City’s spring break comes earlier than Owensboro and Daviess County’s.
The menu features various barbecue options, including wings, tacos, sandwiches, desserts, slushies, and more. There are also loaded nacho and spud options, along with sliders and tacos.
“Kentucky is where our dream really took off with the food truck, and we have a huge following there,” she said. “We just can’t wait to come back home to KY and see everyone again, and we know everyone is excited too.”
Tri-R-Tips has become a mainstay in Panama City, operating daily at various local businesses.
Most recently, they’ve offered relief to individuals and families impacted by the rare EF3 tornado that swept across the Florida panhandle earlier this week. They were equally as active when tornados devastated western Kentucky in 2021.
The return is during the family’s Florida spring break. It marks the first time they’ve returned since 2022. Follow Try-R-Tips on Facebook here for updates.
“The beach is absolutely beautiful, but there’s no place like home,” Rose said.
