If you've ever stopped by the Smash Meals booth at a Tri-Cities expo, there's a good chance you met John before you ever tried a bite of our food. Smiling under a SMASH hat, handing out samples, swapping stories with strangers like they've been friends for years — that's John.
And while he doesn't draw a paycheck from Smash Meals, he's as much a part of who we are as the gluten-free kitchen in Kingsport.
Friend First, Volunteer Always
John isn't on staff. He's a friend who believes in what we're building — 100% gluten-free, family-style meal prep made with the kind of integrity you'd want from your own kitchen. So when the trailer gets loaded and we head to a trade show, John is usually the first one there to help unload, set up the banner, and start handing out plates.
That kind of show-up-and-serve attitude is rare. It's also exactly the spirit Smash Meals was built on back in 2017.
Why Volunteers Like John Matter
Smash Meals is still a local, family-run kitchen. Every event we cater, every expo booth we set up, every Grab & Go pickup we stock — it all takes hands. When friends like John step in, it lets us keep prices fair, keep food fresh, and keep showing up for the communities we serve across East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and beyond.
- Setup & teardown at expos and trade shows
- Sampling and serving guests at the booth
- Telling the Smash Meals story to new faces — in his own words
- Being a friendly presence that makes strangers feel like neighbors
The Smash Meals Team Is Bigger Than the Kitchen
Founder Lew Kizer says it best: "Smash Meals has never been a one-man show. It's family, it's church family, it's friends like John. When somebody shows up to serve without being asked, that tells you everything about why this works."
That's the heartbeat of this company — feeding people real food, made by people who genuinely care. John is a reminder that the team behind your meal prep isn't just chefs and packers. It's a community.
Thank You, John
From all of us at Smash Meals — thank you for the early mornings, the long expo days, the laughs at the booth, and for representing this brand with so much heart. You make Smash Meals better just by being part of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smash Meals a family-run business?
Yes. Smash Meals was founded in 2017 by Lew Kizer in Kingsport, TN, and is still run today by Lew, his family, and a close-knit team of friends and volunteers.
Where can I meet the Smash Meals team in person?
You can catch us at local expos, catered events across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, and at our Grab & Go pickup partners throughout the region. Follow our newsletter for upcoming event dates.
Are all Smash Meals meals really 100% gluten free?
Yes — every meal is prepared in our dedicated 100% gluten-free facility in Kingsport, TN, with no cross-contamination, making it celiac-safe.
How do I order Smash Meals?
You can order this week's menu here for pickup or delivery across the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas.