Bryan Jacobs of Tampa, Florida, said food saved his life. “I wanted to serve again,” the Navy retiree said. “I wanted to do something that gave me passion, purpose and a reason to exist and food does that for me.”

Jacobs opened Liberty Smokehouse, a mobile barbecue joint that some have described as the best in Florida, as a way to give back to the community and give other veterans a way to find purpose in life.

One of the main stars of the menu is the award-winning brisket, prepared using a “mud” preservation method invented before refrigeration.

“We’re going back because that’s where good food comes from,” Jacobs said.

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Another popular product is the artisanal sausage, which changes weekly.

“Every country in the world does barbecue, but we happen to be the best here in the South,” Jacob said humbly.

Liberty Smokehouse works at a local American Legion kitchen and operates a food truck that changes locations regularly. You can find them on Instagram (@thelibertysmokehouse) to see where they are each day.

Jacobs said he hopes to find financial support to open more Liberty Smokehouse locations across the country.

The veteran, who served two combat tours, said Liberty Smokehouse aims to serve its community with its craft. It’s also about honoring many veterans who have died or lost their battles with PTSD, including his younger brother, who Jacobs said he lost to suicide in 2014.

“I just want to be able to give people a place to come and serve and eat and drink and make a difference in what they love to do,” Jacobs said.