Introduction to the Stolen Smoker Trailer

Update: At the time of publication, the reward offered for chef Kent Rathbun’s smoker trailer was $12,500. It has since increased.

The search for a stolen smoker trailer belonging to Dallas chef Kent Rathbun is ramping up with a reward now totaling $12,500. The recognizable fire engine-red smoker, which Rathbun relied on for his barbecue catering business, was stolen from the gated parking lot of his catering kitchen earlier this month while he was out of town, Rathbun said.

“I had this thing for 25 years,” he said. “It has been like a baby to me for a long time.”

A smoker trailer belonging to Dallas chef Kent Rathbun was stolen from the gated parking lot of his catering kitchen. The reward for its return is up to $12,500.

The Importance of the Smoker Trailer

The smoker was given to Rathbun as a birthday gift and it became a key part of his catering business. On July 21, the day he discovered it had been stolen, he was picking it up to cook for more than a thousand people at a pickleball championship tournament.

When Rathbun — known for now-closed restaurants Abacus and Imoto — posted on social media that his trailer had been stolen, he offered a $1,000 reward for its return and asked his followers to be on the lookout for it. Since then, friends and fellow chefs have pitched in their own money to up the reward and help Rathbun find his smoker.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled by the amount of people who have stepped up in this city,” Rathbun said, “and it tells me a lot about what kind of people Dallas has living in it.”

Chef Kent Rathbun’s résumé includes Abacus, Jasper’s and Imoto.

Identifying the Stolen Smoker Trailer

He said he knows it’s likely that his smoker has already been repainted and had its signage stripped, but it would still be identifiable to him.

“I modified the fryer box, all the shelving, added three burners on one side of it with custom covers, added a toolbox,” he said. “It’s definitely custom.”

He estimates the smoker is worth about $27,000 with its modifications and upgrades.

Investigation and Support

Security-camera footage is currently being tracked down, Rathbun said, but as of now, there are no leads in the theft.

“I’m just hoping that people will call and say they saw a smoker like that,” he said. “I am absolutely blown away and overwhelmed by the support I’ve received. It humbles me.”

Conclusion

The theft of Kent Rathbun’s smoker trailer has sent shockwaves through the Dallas community, with many people coming together to support the chef and offer a reward for its return. The smoker trailer, which holds great sentimental value to Rathbun, is a vital part of his catering business, and its loss has been deeply felt. As the investigation continues, Rathbun remains hopeful that his smoker will be returned, and he is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the reward for the return of the stolen smoker trailer?

A: The reward for the return of the stolen smoker trailer is currently $12,500.

Q: How long had Kent Rathbun owned the smoker trailer?

A: Kent Rathbun had owned the smoker trailer for 25 years.

Q: What makes the smoker trailer unique and identifiable?

A: The smoker trailer has been modified with a custom fryer box, shelving, and three burners with custom covers, making it easily identifiable to Rathbun.

Q: How much is the smoker trailer worth?

A: The smoker trailer is estimated to be worth around $27,000 with its modifications and upgrades.

Q: Is there any security-camera footage of the theft?

A: Yes, security-camera footage is currently being tracked down, but as of now, there are no leads in the theft.