Popular BBQ Food Truck Opening Restaurant in Laurel

Over the last few years, Laurel, MT has slowly gotten a few more restaurants. Relatively recent additions include The Cracked Egg, Your Pie, Carlton Depot, Chen's Express, Wendy's, and Jimmy Johns. Now, Laurel will soon have a sit-down BBQ restaurant.

Credit Burnin' the Bone, used with permission

Burnin' The Bone Smokehouse is opening soon on Main Street in Laurel.

We saw the banner tacked to their window over the 4th of July weekend, and when we popped by earlier this week to snap a few pics, I was fortunate to catch up with one of the owners Brock Ninker, who was out back spray painting a shelf in their alley.

Co-owners Brock Ninker, his girlfriend Denise Coles, and Todd and Christina Payne have known each other for years, sharing a passion for motorsports and offroading. They all love food. Last year, Todd purchased one of Brock's food trucks and now the group is combining forces to open Burnin' the Bone restaurant.

Brock Ninker (R) chats with the food service rep. Credit Michael Foth, TSM

Cooking since he was a kid.

Ninker recalled learning how to cook with his folks as a young child and practicing the BBQ craft with his father. Brock said his dad never referred to it as barbequing or grilling, it was always "burnin' the bone." It's the inspiration for their business name.

Burnin' the Bone has existed as a food truck since 2017, serving tasty, smokey BBQ and sides to thousands in the Billings area. Ninker said they'll continue to operate the truck for catering and special events.

Denise Coles with Burnin' the Bone mascot Franklin. Credit Michael Foth, TSM

Filling a vacant spot on Main Street in Laurel.

The Owl Cafe was a longtime favorite in Laurel; it closed in 2017. Much of the equipment and items were sold, but a variety of leftovers remained on the property. Ninker said some will be used and refurbished, and they've been collecting other necessary restaurant equipment over the past few months to prepare for this new venture.

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Burning the Bone at 203 E Main in Laurel is planning to open in early August. They've been hosting some "soft" events in the meantime; watch their Facebook page for the latest updates. They are planning to be open 5 days per week, tentatively Thursday - Monday.