Paul Thompson goes to work every day as the ‘Grill Sergeant’ with Grill Sergeant Barbecue, a Maryville-based food truck and catering company. Thompson has kept the business going despite multiple hiatuses for deployments, including just a couple years ago when he spent a year in Kuwait.

Regulars often don’t need long to make their selections when they visit Thompson. “He has great service and his food is very delicious. I enjoy his brand of barbecue,” said a regular customer.

Thompson begins his day at his shop on South Main in Maryville well before the lunch crowd arrives — many times before the sun arrives, as well.

When P.T. arrives, one of the first tasks is to trim the fat from the brisket as he prepares it for the smoker and eventually for his customers. Brisket is one of the staples of the menu.

The smokers are quickly fired up in the back of the Grill Sergeant’s trailer and lunch will soon be served.

During the week, the Grill Sergeant is often located at the Lakeside Carwash on the east side of Maryville. His fiancé, Kristi Alexander, often will provide a second pair of hands to take and prepare orders.

Thompson has always brought his work ethic which was honed in the military to his business. He spends hours each week in his shop slicing and preparing meats for his customers.

After working through the afternoon and much of the evening, Thompson closes up shop on the east side of town and gets ready to call it a day.

P.T. spends the final part of his long work day cleaning up and preparing for another day, but soon the routine of the day will be shifting.

The Grill Sergeant brand will continue to grow as Thompson and Alexander are renovating a space on the downtown square in Maryville for a permanent location. The sun won’t completely set on the food truck, however, as P.T. will continue operating it for catering events.