On the day after Christmas, two individuals were captured on surveillance footage stealing a food truck from a parking lot in southeast Austin. The stolen trailer belonged to Roy Lotz, owner of Lotz of BBQ, who has worked tirelessly for over a decade to establish his business. This theft not only took away his livelihood but also left him devastated and struggling to support his family. Police have identified the vehicle used in the theft as a dark green Ford F-150 from the early 2000s. The incident has garnered community support through a GoFundMe page, aiming to help Lotz recover from this significant loss.

The Impact of the Theft on Lotz's Livelihood

Roy Lotz, a deaf entrepreneur, has dedicated years to building his barbecue business. Losing his food truck was more than just a financial setback; it symbolized years of hard work and personal investment. The theft occurred when two men used a dark green pickup truck to haul away the trailer. For Lotz, this event was particularly painful because it happened right after Christmas, adding an emotional layer to the already devastating situation. Insurance will cover the trailer but not the valuable equipment inside, leaving Lotz with a substantial financial burden.

Lotz expressed deep sorrow and disbelief at the heartlessness of the act. He described feeling physically ill and emotionally violated. The theft forced him to cancel upcoming events that were crucial for generating income. With a young family to support, including a one-year-old son, Lotz is now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding his business from scratch. Despite the challenges, he remains determined not to let this setback destroy his dreams. Community support has rallied around him, with a GoFundMe page set up to assist in his recovery.

Community Response and Appeal for Return

Following the theft, the community has shown immense support for Lotz. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help him regain some stability. The initiative aims to raise funds to replace the lost equipment and cookware, which were valued at ,000. Lotz’s resilience and determination have inspired many to contribute, demonstrating the power of community solidarity in times of adversity. Meanwhile, local authorities are actively investigating the case and have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the return of the stolen property.

Lotz emphasized his hope for the return of the food truck, stating that it would be the greatest gift for him and his family. He acknowledged the difficulty of the current situation but remained optimistic about the future. “These guys are not going to ruin my dream,” Lotz declared, reflecting his unwavering commitment to his business and his community. His story highlights the challenges faced by small business owners, especially those with additional barriers like hearing impairment, and underscores the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.