Recently, a viral video circulating online has captured the attention of netizens, showcasing a unique “semi-trailer barbecue” stall in Yizheng City, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. The trailer is adorned with the slogan, “Semi-trailer can’t run well, so let’s grill when we open the door,” sparking discussions across social media platforms.
According to reports from Jiemu News, on June 12th, a nearby merchant confirmed the existence of this “semi-trailer barbecue” stall and mentioned that business has been booming.
A customer told the media that the barbecue stall is located by the roadside and stands out prominently with its bright lights at night. The customer also mentioned having had a meal there and found the taste to be satisfactory. They added, “These days there are many diners, the barbecue stall is doing well, and it has attracted a number of street vendors in the vicinity.”
The owner of the “semi-trailer barbecue” stated that the operating hours are from evening until 1 a.m., and the location of the stall is temporarily fixed. Due to the unexpected popularity from the video shared online, there may be queues in the coming days. Currently, the focus is solely on barbecue operations. The owner said, “I do the grilling, my dad drives the truck. This truck used to be for hauling goods, but it hasn’t been running this year.”
Reportedly, an official from the local government department mentioned that they have not yet been made aware of this situation. There are spontaneous street vendors on the road at night, primarily catering to nearby residents and workers. If the urban management inspectors come across this, they may provide guidance.
This incident has sparked a heated debate online, with the public expressing both support and concerns about safety issues.
Netizens commented, “Once it’s trending, they won’t be able to operate anymore,” and “I think the fire safety measures are lacking. With so many people in one place, and only one small exit, is the canopy inflammable? What if sparks from the barbecue catch it on fire.” Another user said, “It would have been fine if it was in a parking lot. The issue is that it’s by the roadside, as soon as you get out of the car, you are on the road.”
“A semi-idle semi-trailer in Yizheng, Yangzhou Province, has been transformed into a barbecue stall due to the downturn in the freight industry. With the slogan ‘Semi-trailer can’t run well, so let’s grill when we open the door,’ it unexpectedly became popular. While the business is booming, it faces controversies such as illegal modifications and operation without permits, prompting discussions on grassroots survival wisdom and safety hazards.”
The host of a talk show, “Continued Writing of the Smurfs’ Story,” stated, “In summary: this is a grassroots survival story that evokes both sympathy and admiration, but it also truly crosses a line.”
A blogger analyzed, “Semi-trailer can’t run well, so let’s grill when we open the door” – this slogan struck a chord because it precisely taps into the everyday struggles of ordinary people. With a decline in the freight industry and truck drivers facing financial losses, the father and son didn’t sit idle but instead revitalized their idle asset by converting a truck cabin into a barbecue shop, saving tens of thousands in rent annually. This kind of resilient spirit of ‘thinking outside the box’, who wouldn’t marvel and say, ‘It’s not easy, but they are really smart’? Coupled with the combination of a truck, charcoal fire, and late-night snacks, naturally exuding a sense of the underworld, one short video push, and it’s hard not to become a sensation.
However, the blogger also pointed out that modifying a freight truck by adding kitchen appliances to the cabin violates the “Road Traffic Safety Law” and raises concerns about operating without proper permits.