“I feel like if you are going to be in business for yourself, you need to be competitive. Like being in a barbecue competition, we are always looking at what’s coming up and what we can do to get better,” he said.

That competitive mindset is also part of the daily lives of IC’s nearly 500 student-athletes. They will have additional support this fall. An announcement in August named Twyford BBQ as the official food truck sponsoring the Illinois College Varsity Club for the 2019-2020 athletic season.

Twyford BBQ was established in 2008 by Randy and his wife Marla. Although the company’s award-winning food is now a favorite in the Jacksonville community and the region,Twyford recalls the company’s roots being more “underdog” than “grand champion.” In 2008, when the recession hit, Randy was let go from his job at a paint company after a 15-year career. Out of necessity he took a risk, expanding his part-time catering hobby into a full-time endeavor.

“Even though that felt like one of the darkest days of my life, I look back at it now and it’s one of the brightest days because of what came out of it,” said Twyford.

The growing catering business required a kitchen so the couple bought a trailer and had a kitchen built in it. Randy recalls they would bring the trailer to the farmers market in Jacksonville — an early form of the food truck business model at a time when food trucks were still rare, even in larger cities.

The company has cultivated a reputation for family-style food. Their barbecue has been professionally judged and awarded top honors by professional food judges along with some of the biggest names in the food world. The company is also known for giving back to the community, notably supporting the Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine and the FFA, an organization for students interested in agriculture and leadership. In June, Randy, who has a degree in agricultural with minors in journalism and animal science, was awarded an honorary degree by FFA for his work in agriculture and the community.

Over the years the connection between Twyford BBQ and IC has grown. The food truck can be found at many IC events, such as the annual Osage Orange Festival and IC’s Day of Giving, ALL IN FOR IC. The company has had such a great experience employing IC students over the years that the couple often jokes that without IC they would have to shut down.

Twyford BBQ will be providing food during several ICVC events throughout the year. A variety of food options from their menu of barbecue — including chicken, pork, ribs and brisket — as well as their sides, desserts and creative menu items like pulled pork nachos will be featured. Twyford said that barbecue and sports are a natural pairing. He is looking forward to being a part of the game-day atmosphere and building connections to IC.

“I think our partnership with Illinois College has been great and will continue to grow. This is really a situation where we both benefit, and I am happy to see where it goes,” he said.

“I see Illinois College as a pillar in the community and that’s why I like partnering with the College.”

Katie Carls, director of business development and campus events at IC, said this announcement is part of the overall expansion of the IC Varsity Club, who adds that several new levels of membership will also be offered this year.

“Twyford BBQ has always been a big supporter of Illinois College and it was time to officially welcome them as part of the IC family,” she said. “We are excited about this partnership and looking forward to having them on campus supporting our students, faculty, staff and alumni throughout the year.”

To learn more about partnership opportunities with Illinois College for your business or organization, contact Katie Carls at 217.245.3112 or katie.carls@ic.edu.