If you’re looking for smoke, #DowntownWhiteville has you covered. We Smokin’ It food truck and Penn’s Grill are partnering to present Smokin Thursdays. Samaria Moore started the food truck business with her son in May of 2025. Together they offer all pork-free dishes with a mix of ‘Florida food flava and Carolina BBQ’. Starting Thursday, March 19th, you can get taste for youself, during the town’s Music In The Alley events. Check out our Q&A with Samaria about what to expect in Downtown Whiteville.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your backgroud.
“I’m Samaria Moore, Co-owner of We Smokin It, Food Truck. I co-own this business with my 19 year old son Stefon Lockhart. I was a career teacher for 8 years. During the latter of those years I started talking about opening up a food truck. Well my son took that to heart at 17 and ran with it. Once he graduated from high school that was all he desired to do. So with his persuasion, my past talks and menu planning and the right timing, I made my decision. I decided I would make this jump into a world I’ve never explored, food-trucking. Wow, has it been an exploration and humbling learning experience. “
How did the partnership with Penn’s Grill come about?
“When I asked her about setting up at her shop to sell to the public, she envisioned something even bigger than I could have never imaged. She saw us as a potential food hotspot for the people who are coming to enjoy the downtown area festivities and shops. “
You mentioned your Florida flava. Are you originally from Florida? What brought you to Columbus County?
“We are originally from Gainesville, FL, home of the Florida Gators. We came and visited some friends here and loved the slower paced environment and decided to call this place home. “
What do you feel makes downtown the best location for this venture?
“At the time of the event all of the downtown eateries are closed within a few blocks. We will be there to allow people the opportunity to grab something to eat that they may enjoy during the show.”
What can the public expect at Smokin’ Thursdays?
They can expect to receive a “flava explosion” for their taste buds in every dish, side, dessert and drink. In addition, to our regular menu items we will also have a few specialty dishes for this event only; Like our yummy Mac Fries and delicious brisket nachos.
When is your first event? What is the schedule?
“Our first event will be March 19th, from 4-9 pm. The evening of the Music in the Alley, concert series. We plan on being set up in Penn’s Grill parking lot every evening of the concert series throughout October, with the exception of April. “
Any future projects that you are working on?
“We will be providing free meals to the public at an outreach event, being held by New Generation Outreach ministries, April 18th 2pm-4pm at Market Park, in Laurinburg, NC. The ministry is still in need of any size diapers and wipes. If you would like to donate the event organizer Taylor Brunson can be contacted at 910-504-2293.”
How can people find out more info about you?
“If people will like to know more about us, please visit our facebook page.”
