LEBANON, VA – AUGUST 25, 2025 – Preston Ball has a mission with his new mobile food truck — PBall’s Smoke & Grill — and that is to bring the joy of a backyard barbecue to the streets. He strives to fix authentic, affordable slow-smoked barbecue with exceptional flavor coupled with providing a friendly, community-focused experience.
PBall’s Smoke & Grill is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“PBall’s Smoke & Grill helps to provide food options in Russell County,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “It will serve tourists and locals alike which is a need in many communities and also helps to provide an amenity that existing and potential employers in the area like to see when considering our region. PBall’s projects two full-time employees and nine part-time employees within five years.”
Ball, who says he has always had a passion for tasty food – especially barbecue — first fixed barbecue in his smoker for family and friends as a hobby, but after doing a little research, decided to turn that hobby into a business.
“I started looking at the options for purchasing a food truck and saw there was a higher growth rate for food trucks versus brick and mortar stores and decided to go that route,” Ball said. “I bought a new smoker that is capable of smoking 12 butts at a time and mounted it on the food truck I purchased from a competitor looking to get out of the business and sell his truck.”
Ball makes his own signature sauces which range from sweet to spicy. Pork, ribs and chicken are mainstays on the menu, with pulled pork sandwiches, smoked hot dogs, homemade chili, loaded baked potatoes, smoked mac and cheese, baked beans and bologna burnt ends just a few of the specialties offered. Another is his huckleberry lemonade.
In addition to offering barbecue for sale from the truck, Ball also caters for various events and occasions when booked to do so. Primarily, he keeps the truck in Russell County, but is willing to travel within a 50-mile radius.
“Getting the VCEDA seed capital grant helped me toward buying the truck and equipment needed to do this,” Ball said. “It is so much appreciated and it’s a great opportunity for all businesses.”
Ball has already hired three part-time employees to help him at events and he said he also joined the Russell County Chamber of Commerce.
Ball worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community (SWCC) in developing the application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Russell County Industrial Development Authority.
“Working with Preston through the SWCC SBDC, we have witnessed firsthand his dedication and talent,” said Denise Harmon, director of the Southwest Virginia Community College SBDC. “His passion for producing top-tier barbecue and creating a signature sauce sets his food truck apart. We’re proud to support Preston as he rolls out delicious food options and we’re excited to see PBall’s Smoke & Grill become a staple in the local community.”
“Russell County IDA is excited to have the opportunity to support our local entrepreneurs,” said Russell County IDA Executive Director Ernie McFaddin. “PBall’s Smoke and Grill is a great addition to the community. We look forward to their success.”
PBall’s Smoke & Grill may be found on Facebook and reached by calling 276-791-7101, or by emailing preston@pballssmokeandgrill.com.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.