Here's how a Wisconsin barbecue food truck prioritizes giving back to community, first responders

Editor's note, April 29, 2024: A previous version of this article incorrectly listed the year Dustin Johnson moved to Wisconsin, Johnson moved to Wisconsin 10 years ago in 2014.

APPLETON — When Dustin Johnson first began cooking food for his colleagues at work, he never expected his passion for providing people with good barbecue would result in him owning and running his own food truck.

In 2014, Johnson moved back to Wisconsin from California where he was the lead chef at the his father's restaurant, Blondies, since 2012.

"I've always helped in the kitchens and played around with crafting unique foods," Johnson said. "When we opened Blondies, that's where I got started in cooking seriously when it came to barbecue."

During his time in California, Johnson also competed in food competitions including the Academy of Country Music BBQ Throwdown in Las Vegas in 2012.

Johnson, who lived in Wisconsin until he was in the second grade, came back to the state to be closer to his family. Upon his return, he began working at Custom Offsets, a custom vehicle accessories store at 401 County U in Wrightstown, where he stayed for seven years.

"I've always had smokers and barbecue trailers that I pull behind my truck, so I would bring the smoker to work and they would let me take days off and cater food for the team," Johnson said.

Word began to spread about Johnson and the barbecue he would make for his team, prompting people to encourage him to start his own business here in Wisconsin.

One day, Johnson received a phone call from Dawn Gillis, wife of the late owner of the Rubbin' Butts & Blowing Smoke food truck, Ben Gillis. The food truck, based in Wisconsin, specialized in barbecue foods like pulled pork sandwiches and smoked brisket.

In 2022, Ben lost his battle with depression and took his own life.

"Dawn had been referred to me from people that I worked with and she was trying to figure out what to do with the barbecue trailer," Johnson said. "She asked me if I wanted to buy it."

Initially, Johnson said he was skeptical about the purchase, unsure if he wanted to commit to running a food truck while still working over 65 hours a week.

"I just thought 'what's the worse that could happen?' and finally bought the trailer from Dawn," Johnson said.

In April 2023, Johnson began serving barbecue out of the trailer, now named High Kaliber BBQ & Catering, only on the weekends.

Just over a year later, Johnson made the full commitment to quit his job at Custom Offset and run High Kaliber full time. Now, Johnson said Dawn occasionally helps him on the food truck, including at an annual suicide awareness event hosted by the Gillis family.

The truck can be found at various locations and events throughout the state and Johnson prioritizes community events and giving back to first responders.

Find smoked cinnamon rolls and brisket sandwiches at the High Kaliber food truck

While the menu at High Kaliber changes weekly, there's a few items that are staple dishes.

The Brisket Sammie, slow smoked and chopped brisket on a Manderfield's steak bun and the Pulled Pork Sammie, slow smoked sweet pork shoulder, pulled and seasoned on a Manderfield's steak bun are always available at the truck.

Signature sides like the smoked macaroni and cheese and cornbread, described as extremely moist and almost like a corn cake, can always be added to main dishes.

"Everything is smoked for 16 hours and rested for 12 hours," Johnson said. "It's always cooked fresh the night before and all my sides are cooked right on site. Anywhere I'm going, I get there two hours early and start cooking."

Johnson's menu can change depending on the time of the year or what event he's attending, as he often tries to cater to his customers.

"For St. Patrick's Day, we did a smoked corn beef brisket and potato bowls to do a barbecue version of corned beef and hash," Johnson said.

He's also served smoked cinnamon rolls, bacon wrapped smoked donuts, stuffed jalapeno poppers and more.

"There's nothing I'm unwilling to do if people are willing to eat it," Johnson said.

Alongside the food he makes, Johnson also sells his signature seasoning blends, which he started making in 2020. Customers can choose from the All Purpose Seasoning, Honey Habanero Garlic, Perfect for Pork Rub, Sriracha Salt Pepper Garlic, The Black Rub and The Texas Brisket Rub.

He posts his updated menu weekly on Facebook as well as on the food truck's website.

How High Kaliber prioritizes giving back to its community

Every year, as a tribute to Ben, Johnson and the Gillis family host a suicide awareness event where the community can eat for free and donate money as they please. The event was started by the Gillis family, Johnson partnered with them to provide all of the food at no cost.

"It's all donation based and all the proceeds go to suicide awareness charity," Johnson said. "I don't take a single dollar from the event.

While the event's debut was last year, Johnson said it's something they plan to continue doing annually. More information for this year's event will be available later in the year.

Another way Johnson gives back to the community is by ensuring his food doesn't go to waste.

"I don't take food home with me," Johnson said. "If I'm getting close to the end of my shift and I have any food left over, I call local dispatch and ask them to have any active duty first responders come to where I am and I'll give them everything I have left and don't charge them a single dollar."

Johnson also offers a 50% discount for first responders on duty during his shifts.

"When I'm ready to go, I would rather donate the rest of the food I have than try to salvage it," Johnson said.

His truck can be found at many community events like this years Fourth of July event in Kimberly, Brews on 'Bago Beer Garden in Menasha and Oktoberfest.

Johnson also partnered with The Coop, a shared commercial kitchen space at 400 N. Richmond St., Suite G in Appleton, which is now the home base for High Kaliber.

"We've had nothing but great reviews and good responses from The Valley," Johnson said, "It's been a whirlwind of emotions and a cool little journey so far."

More information on High Kaliber BBQ & Catering can be found on the truck's Facebook page or at highkaliberbbq.com

Reach Jelissa Burns at 920-453-5107 or jburns1@gannett.com. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @burns_jelissa or on Instagram at burns_jelissa.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: High Kaliber BBQ and Catering prioritizes giving back to its community