Hastings is about to smell a whole lot smokier. Fat Man's BBQ, a new mobile barbecue truck, is gearing up to roll into town this month with smoked meats inspired by Alabama and North Carolina traditions. Owner Nicholas Roper, who says he has more than 15 years in the restaurant industry, built the rig from the ground up and plans to station it near a NAPA Auto Parts while also popping up at local events. The business is still in the licensing phase, and Roper is aiming to be serving customers by the end of the month.
Menu and prices
On the menu: ribs, smoked chicken, brisket and pulled pork, plus Southern-style sides such as potato salad, macaroni and cheese, baked beans and cornbread muffins. The truck's lunch special is set at $9 for a smoked chicken plate with two sides, a cornbread muffin and a drink, with an off-peak price of $7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As reported by What Now, Roper describes his offerings as "Alabama, North Carolina-style barbecue."
Business filings and timeline
Public records show that FAT MANS BBQ, LLC was incorporated in Florida on January 28, 2026, with Nicholas Roper listed as the manager. Those filings back up the company's recent formation as it works through local permitting ahead of the planned debut. Details on the filing are available via BisProfiles.
Where to find the truck
Roper says the truck will typically be parked near a NAPA Auto Parts location in Hastings, then move around to community events, markets and private gigs instead of operating from a fixed storefront. He plans a mix of walk-up service and event catering once licensing is finalized. The opening timeline and site approach were outlined in What Now.
Owner background and ordering
Roper says his goal is to offer "better quality food at a more affordable price," a pitch that is echoed on the truck's website. The brand also has an official ordering app available in the App Store, a sign that he is betting on a mix of mobile restaurant service and digital ordering for pickup or event catering. For hours and ordering information, check out Fat Man's BBQ and the App Store.
