Historic BBQ

23/11/2024

Although I have many fond memories of him standing in front of the grill, my dad’s culinary skills didn’t stretch much beyond hamburgers, hot dogs, and boxed beef stroganoff. But that didn’t stop him from earning his self-proclaimed title of “Assistant Pitmaster.”

No matter the event, he never hesitated to help (even if he complained about the pay - or lack thereof). Even on days he wasn’t “working”, I’d always get a text message asking, “How’s the meat looking?” or a friendly reminder not to forget anything for a catering job. Many Historic BBQ events would simply not have been possible without his support. Just a few weeks ago, he asked, “When are we BBQing again?” Even though ALS had robbed him of his ability to lend a hand, his desire to help never wavered.

If you ever stopped by the trailer, you know his contagious smile and often inappropriate sense of humor brought joy and laughter to everyone he met. I’m not sure he ever met a stranger.

He never missed an opportunity to talk about how proud he was of his kids, tell a story (or more likely, retell one), or crack a joke.

Words can’t fully describe the impact my dad has had, not only on me and Historic BBQ but on so many others. Through his years of teaching and his deep involvement in Lebanon athletics, he touched countless lives.

Every time I fire up the smoker or grill, I know that my Assistant Pitmaster still has my back.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 6:00 PM.

https://www.hoskinsfh.com/obituary/donn-bunce

27/10/2024

I’ve always believed that food, especially BBQ, brings people together.

That has never felt more true than today, when Chair Force 1 Foundation delivered a wheelchair-accessible van for my dad. This van will help him maintain the mobility and independence that ALS has been so quick to take away from him. Their generosity and dedication are unmatched, and I am endlessly grateful for what they do for families like ours. Their impact speaks volumes—this video explains it better than I ever could: https://vimeo.com/987297569/d0b566bcbf.

This connection wouldn’t have happened without BBQ. About a month after my dad was diagnosed with ALS, Mark, the owner of our favorite vending spot The Common Beer Company, called about an event at Sonder Brewing that was supporting a local ALS charity.

That’s where I met the Chair Force 1 team. I learned about their story and mission, and I shared my dad’s diagnosis and journey with ALS. At the time, a wheelchair van wasn’t even on my radar. But a few months later, when the doctor said it was time to order a power wheelchair, I realized a van would be needed sooner than expected. I reached out to Ben from CF1 for any tips or guidance, and he responded right away, saying, “It might take some time, but I think we can help.” Just a few weeks later, CF1 had raised enough funds to add a new van to their fleet. While I was on my way to pick up my dad for his wheelchair fitting, I got the call that Chair Force 1 would be providing him with a wheelchair-accessible van.

Please visit https://www.chairforce1foundation.com to learn more and consider donating to support their work.

05/09/2024

Someone is a quick learner in the kitchen - without any help she grabbed a nearby ThermaPen and made sure her eggs were exactly right before letting me know they were done 👧🏼🧑‍🍳

24/08/2024

Some of you have been asking why you haven’t seen the food truck out this year, when I’ll be teaching another BBQ class, or when I’ll be posting a new video. The truth is, some things are more important than BBQ.

As some of you may know, my dad was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year. After months of searching for the cause of his symptoms, I heard the three words I feared most: "You have ALS." The impact this disease has had on him—and those around him—is indescribable. While there isn't anything we can do to slow the disease, we can support the organizations that help people living with ALS.

I'm walking in the Cincinnati Walk ALS because my dad can't—and I invite you to join Team Bunce and walk N’ roll with us.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive and untreatable illness that gradually robs people of their ability to move, speak, and even breathe. It’s a terminal condition that causes muscles to weaken and waste away, profoundly affecting every aspect of life. The Walk ALS event raises funds for ALS United Ohio —an organization that provides essential services, equipment, and support to people living with ALS.

How You Can Help:
- Walk N’ Roll with us on September 22nd
- Donate: Join Team Bunce and contribute by visiting http://secure.alsohio.org/goto/TeamBunce

WalkALS Cincinnati Event Details:
- When: Sunday, September 22, 2024
- Check-in: Begins at 9:30 AM, Walk starts at 11:00 AM
- Where: Winton Woods – Harper Meadows Area (878 Lakeridge Dr, Cincinnati, OH)

Feel free to message, text, or call me if you have any questions or want to join us at the event. Thank you in advance for your support—we hope to see you there!

12/07/2024

BBQ Recommendations needed!
Taking a road trip from Cincinnati to Rapid City, SD via I-74 and I-90 (through Des Moines IA)

23/03/2024

I checked out The Dayton Barbecue Company at Hidden Valley Orchards today and it certainly didn’t disappoint! My favorites were the Brisket, collard greens, and banana pudding were my favorite but everything was awesome. Be sure to check them out!

We are so ready to begin serving you great bbq!! Soft openings happening on Saturday until the end of the month and then Friday and Saturday all April long! See y’all on the farm!

16/03/2024

Thanks Operation BBQ Relief - especially Dave Meyer and Chris Dyer for stepping in at a time of need.

22/02/2024

Happy 1st birthday Jane!
This little brisket loving Jr. Pitmaster is one cool little girl (even if she did “borrow” one of my Thermapens for her bath water). I can’t wait to see what she cooks up next.