Dallas, September 7, 2025
News Summary
A custom smoker trailer belonging to Texas chef Kent Rathbun was stolen in Dallas, prompting a community-driven reward effort that has now reached $13,000. The trailer, essential for Rathbun’s barbecue catering business, was stolen on July 6 with surveillance footage capturing two individuals hitching it to a white truck. While the Dallas Police investigate, Rathbun has borrowed equipment to continue his operations and is working on a new trailer.
Dallas — A custom smoker trailer belonging to acclaimed Texas chef Kent Rathbun was stolen on the night of July 6, 2023, prompting an expanding community reward and an active police investigation.
What happened
Surveillance footage shows two people entering a lot at 4093 Don Drive in Dallas at about 10:30 p.m. on July 6, 2023, and leaving with the smoker trailer hitched to a white truck. The stolen unit was a custom-built trailer that Rathbun has used for his barbecue catering business and for major events nationwide.
Reward and community response
The recovery effort quickly became a community effort. Rathbun initially offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the trailer’s return. Contributions from friends and members of the public raised that amount first to $7,500 and later to a total of $13,000 as of August 8, 2023. Numerous offers of equipment loaned by friends and professional contacts allowed Rathbun to continue operating while the search continued.
Value and description of the trailer
The trailer was custom-built and valued at approximately $27,000. Key modifications and equipment included a three-burner range, an insulated firebox, stainless-steel prep tables, and LED lighting. The unit had been used at large-scale events, including several Super Bowls and cross-country appearances, making it both a business asset and a personal item of significant sentimental value to Rathbun.
Owner reaction and next steps
Rathbun has expressed significant frustration over the theft, noting that insurance coverage does not eliminate the aggravation of losing a longtime, customized piece of equipment. Despite that, he acknowledged widespread community support and has borrowed a replacement trailer to maintain catering operations. Rathbun is also collaborating with a manufacturer to build a new, upgraded smoker trailer with enhanced smoking capabilities.
Investigation status
The Dallas Police Department is reviewing surveillance footage and investigating the incident. As of the latest update, no suspects have been publicly identified. Community members with information are being asked to contact law enforcement or to reach out to Rathbun directly to assist recovery efforts.
Background on the trailer’s origin
The smoker trailer was originally gifted to Rathbun in 2001 by Baxter Brinkmann, then-CEO of a grill and smoker manufacturer. Over two decades it became central to Rathbun’s barbecue business and was described by the chef as having deep personal and professional significance.
Impact on business and plans going forward
While the loss removed a key piece of custom equipment from Rathbun’s fleet, community offers and a borrowed replacement have helped sustain ongoing catering commitments. Work is underway to design a successor trailer with improved features. The recovery of the original unit remains the preferred outcome, both for practical reasons and because of the trailer’s emotional value to the owner.
FAQ
- When and where was the smoker trailer stolen?
- The theft occurred around 10:30 p.m. on July 6, 2023, at 4093 Don Drive in Dallas, according to surveillance footage.
- Who owns the trailer?
- The trailer belonged to chef Kent Rathbun, a well-known Texas chef and four-time James Beard award nominee, and had been used for his barbecue catering business.
- How much is the reward for information?
- The reward started at $1,000 and increased through community donations to $13,000 as of August 8, 2023.
- What is the trailer worth and what equipment did it contain?
- The trailer was valued at about $27,000 and included a three-burner range, an insulated firebox, stainless-steel prep tables, and LED lighting, among other custom modifications.
- Has the police department identified any suspects?
- No suspects have been publicly identified. The Dallas Police Department is reviewing surveillance footage and continues to investigate.
- Can people still help or provide tips?
- Yes. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Dallas Police Department or to reach out to Rathbun directly to assist recovery efforts.
Key details at a glance
| Feature | Detail | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Date stolen | July 6, 2023 (about 10:30 p.m.) |
|
| Location | 4093 Don Drive, Dallas |
|
| Reward total | $13,000 (as of Aug. 8, 2023) |
|
| Estimated value | About $27,000 |
|
| Key features | Three-burner range, insulated firebox, stainless-steel prep tables, LED lights |
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap: Kent Rathbun’s Stolen Smoker
- NBC DFW: $13K Reward for Stolen Smoker
- WFAA: Chef Offering Reward for Stolen Smoker Trailer
- Chronicle: Rathbun Barbecue Smoker Stolen
- Local Profile: Reward for Stolen Smoker
- Wikipedia: Kent Rathbun
- Google Search: Kent Rathbun Smoker Theft
- Google Scholar: Kent Rathbun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kent Rathbun
- Google News: Kent Rathbun Smoker Theft
