Blumenort is turning 150! To celebrate PBX Truck Service is hosting a community celebration that will feature Doc Walker, food trucks and a big rig truck show. And all monies raised will support YFC Blumenort, Headway and ROC Eastman.
The event, “Country Truckin’”, will take place on Friday, July 26 at 100 Center Ave in Blumenort, and doors open at 5:00 p.m. Scott Petkau of PBX says the evening will be a chance for the community to come together, support some worthwhile causes and enjoy the food and entertainment.
“We love country music,” he says. “But we also love food, so we’ll have some food trucks coming by.” Beausejour-based Blue Haze BBQ, The Half Moon Drive In, and Mini-O’s Mini Donuts to name a few. In addition to Doc Walker the stage will feature Emma Peterson, The Coveralls, Jaryn Friesen and Young & Haggard.
Tickets are just $35.
“We’ve packed in a ton of value for everyone,” says Petkau. “We’re really looking forward to it.”
Cornie Petkau, President of PBX Truck Service, points out that the business started out in 1988, when he and his brother Ron Petkau rented property from Fast Brothers. A decade later PBX built and moved into its own facility, and more recently a 18,000 square-foot expansion that added 10 truck bays, five trailer bays and a wash bay was constructed.
An open house event was never held for the most recent expansion, Cornie explains, because the family wanted to hold it in conjunction with the opening of their restaurant, Grandpa’s Cafe. “Country Truckin’” will now serve to lift the curtain on both buildings.
“The restaurant started out as a sort of dream,” Cornie reflects, adding that customers of PBX have often wanted breakfast, or lunch while waiting for their truck. The name, he says, is a tip of the cap to his own father, who is 94-years-old and quite excited to try it.
“That’s why we’re calling it Grandpa’s Cafe, because to our customers he’s known as ‘grandpa’,” he says.
The restaurant will serve Mexican food, and “Country Truckin’” attendees will be able to sample its menu in a dedicated tent at the event.
From the success of PBX Truck Service to the launch of the cafe, Scott says he appreciates the hard work and dedication his father and uncle have put into their business, and the trucking industry.
“I think the most powerful thing is when you see family who have been working in this industry for so long, and people come in off the street and talk with them on a first name basis,” he says. “It shows me exactly how much they care, and how much they value those relationships.”
The Petkaus also genuinely value the trucking industry and its role in the supply chain.
“Trucking is very important. It’s how we get food on our table,” Scott explains. “It’s an industry with great people, with a lot of innovation, and we really want to demonstrate that people in the logistics industry do very important work.”
Of course, backdropping “Country Truckin’” is the support for local charities – something close to the Petkaus’ hearts, and to Blumenort residents generally.
“It’s overwhelming to see the support from the community, our customers and suppliers,” says Cornie. “They’re all just ready to help, and they’re all just so excited – like we are. This will hopefully bring the community together a little bit more.”
“Country Truckin’” tickets and additional event information can be found online. PBX Truck Service can also be followed on Instagram and Facebook, and the office can be reached by calling (204) 326-3155.
“This community has been a huge part of PBX Truck Service’ success,” Scott concludes. “We love this community, so we want to give back and also have a good time with everyone.”
