(Photo Credit: Rusty Truck)

It looks like local restaurateurs are finally moving beyond fast-fire pizza mania.

The new craze? Good, old-fashioned barbecue. But, the latest addition isn’t brick and mortar.

Rusty Truck BBQ Company is housed in what was once an old, rusty water tank. Since being converted in 2012, the six-foot truck has been serving up homestyle barbecue with classic sides like mac ‘n’ cheese, as well as unique dishes like grilled brownies.

Owners Jake and Amy Walker met while attending University of Kansas. Put your basketball prejudices aside for the sake of smoked meat, as this is also where Jake earned his chops as a barbecue and beer connoisseur.

After moving back to Tucson to start a family, Jake couldn’t quite get away from his first child: the smoker. With help from some friends, the Rusty Truck was born and began to gather crowds of devotees in backyards and at tailgates.

Following their upcoming public debut at Hotel Congress’ Smokin’ Showdown June 27, Rusty Truck will be available to cater parties from five to 500.

Jake can even hitch his hand-built smoker to the truck and park it at your next party, wedding or festival.

“The smoky, sweet and savory aromas wafting out of that piece of junk will be powerful enough to convert even downwind vegetarians into die-hard Rusty Truckers,” he claims. “Living Rusty is about taking your time and counting your blessings. It’s about making friends, making memories, and maybe even making a bit of mischief along the way.”

Smokin’ Showdown at Hotel Congress, benefits Steele Children’s Research Center, happens June 27, 6pm to 9pm. $30 admission includes BBQ beef brisket from seven participating vendors, beer by Pueblo Vida and live music by Greyhound Soul. Rusty Truck tee-shirts, hats and packaged sauces will also be available for purchase at the event, with 10% of proceeds to charity. Party goers must be 21 or over.

For more information, visit Rusty Truck BBQ on Facebook.