RVQ Smokehouse in Wilmington, Vermont: Meet the Pitmaster
Best BBQ in Southern Vermont? RVQ Smokehouse in Wilmington Is a Hidden Food Truck Gem
We sat down with Pimaster Brandon Ruble of RVQ Smokehouse in Wilmington, Vermont. Tucked along Route 100 in the Deerfield Valley, RVQ Smokehouse is one of Vermont’s most unique barbecue experiences—less a traditional restaurant and more a destination food truck and mobile smokehouse. It blends small-town charm with serious pitmaster flavor.
Image Credit: RVQ Smokehouse in Wilmington, Vermont
What makes RVQ stand out is its low-and-slow, small-batch barbecue approach, serving up brisket, pulled pork, ribs, wings, and house-made sides like mac & cheese, baked beans, and cornbread. This is Vermont BBQ with a grassroots twist—authentic, seasonal, and worth planning around if you’re anywhere near Mount Snow or the Green Mountains.
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
Being an owner of two very different food establishments means juggling between the two. Most days, I’m up and moving by 5AM. On RVQ Smokehouse days, my first priority is heading straight out to tend to the smoker bright and early. Running a smoker is a round-the-clock commitment—it means managing the fire day and night. For instance, I give our brisket a full 14 hours in the smoke to guarantee it hits that perfect tenderness. Ending my day looks a lot like how it started… right back at the smoker, loading up the next round of protein to let it ride through the night.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
One of my favorite chefs is Tyler Florence. He represents and champions the food trailer community. Through his work he has really brought the mobile food scene into the mainstream spotlight. He shows the world that food trucks and trailers aren't just a casual alternative to brick-and-mortar restaurants.
It comes down to three things. Putting in the work, loving what you do, and developing serious grit. This industry isn't just about plating a beautiful dish. It’s about the grind. It means showing up early, staying late, standing on your feet for 12 hours, and doing the repetitive prep work until it’s second nature. You have to be willing to pay your dues and earn your stripes every single day. That’s where passion comes in. If you don't genuinely love food and love feeding people, the long hours will wear you down. Your passion is the fuel that gets you through the toughest shifts.
Image Credit: RVQ Smokehouse in Wilmington, Vermont
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
I’ve taken home 1st place and 3rd place at the Wilmington Chili Stroll Cook-off, and I also won 1st place in the Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival Soup Competition. On top of the local awards, it was an incredible milestone to be recognized on a larger stage when I featured as a vendor on Street Eats.
What do you typically cook at home?
At home, we cook all sorts of things. My partner really likes cooking too, so we explore and dip into many different cultures. We love experimenting with new techniques and flavors that are totally different from what I do at work. Recently, we spent the day making tamales from scratch, which was a blast. It’s always fun to slow down and enjoy the process together.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
I'm passionate about Asian culinary cultures, so the trend I'm loving most right now is the massive boom in authentic, street-style comfort foods, like bao buns and ramen bowls. I established Nomad Buns + Bowls in 2020. While you see these foods trending all over major cities right now, what makes it so exciting for me is bringing that exact vibe and caliber of food right here to the Green Mountains of Vermont. People here are adventurous eaters who love comforting, soulful food, so introducing these bold flavors to our local community and visitors has been an amazing experience!
Image Credit: RVQ Smokehouse in Wilmington, Vermont
What drink do you enjoy most?
When it comes to what I enjoy most, my go-to has actually changed a lot recently. I gave up drinking alcohol a year ago, so my focus now is on refreshing flavors. When it’s time to unwind or grab a cold beverage after long hours at work, nothing beats a crisp iced tea with a fresh squeeze of lime. It’s simple and the perfect way to cool down and reset.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
Living and cooking in Southern Vermont, you definitely get used to seeing a fair share of notable people passing through, especially with the major ski resorts drawing a big tourist crowd. Because of that, I actually have had the chance to cook for sports broadcaster Dan Patrick.
Image Credit: RVQ Smokehouse in Wilmington, Vermont
What’s Your Instagram So Readers Can Follow You?
You can follow @rvqsmokehouse and @bunsandbowlsvt.
What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? AND did you like it?
Probably pickles and ice cream. It works in a weird way.
Image Credit: RVQ Smokehouse in Wilmington, Vermont
Why should readers visit RVQ Smokehouse in Wilmington, Vermont?
We might be small, but we are absolutely mighty! We don't need a massive footprint to make a big impact, because everything we do is packed with passion, grit, and dedication to the craft. We don't take shortcuts. Whether you are a local regular or just passing through Southern Vermont after a day of exploring the Green Mountains, come on by and grab a plate.
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