From firefighter to food entrepreneur, Kimoni Money sets the table for what's next

His childhood of moving through foster care and switching schools taught Kimoni Money how to adapt and grow with change. Today, as the owner of The Firetruck Catering LLC, he channels that resilience into growing his business and setting an example for youth facing challenges similar to his own.

“I was going down the wrong road at a young age,” Money said. “The biggest thing is showing good integrity and doing the right thing when no one’s looking.”

In Burke County and beyond, The Firetruck Catering is known for its stacked club sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, and, where it all began, Money’s wings. From Kei’s Sauce, a buffalo garlic parmesan blend named after his brother, to sweet Asian flavors, the wings remain the star of the menu.

Beyond The Firetruck Catering’s flavor-packed food truck, Money is known for giving back to Morganton, the community that raised him. Born in Rocky Mount, his family relocated to the area when he was 7 years old.

He attended Oak Hill Elementary School, but moved between schools throughout the county, graduating from Freedom High School. Raised by his grandmother and later taken in by other families and his social worker, Money learned early how to adjust to change.

At Freedom High School, Money found mentorship through Terry “Juba” Connelly, his JROTC instructor.

“He really set the tempo for me,” Money said, adding that Connelly helped map his post-high school path, when he went on to become a full-time firefighter. That’s where he got his first shot at cooking for others and forming a clientele.

Today, he still works part-time for Burke County Emergency Medical Services while growing his business. Whether set up at Sidetracked Brewery or traveling to festivals in Raleigh and Asheville, Money serves soul food-inspired meals with a smile.

His love for cooking is generational. With a grandmother and mother who serve up “top-tier” collard greens, mac and cheese, and other comfort staples, his menu is inspired by their dishes.

“My mom and grandmother showed me a lot in the kitchen as a young kid, and as I’m older now, they still do,” Money said.

Money started making wings for fellow firefighters, friends, and family, eventually selling them by the half dozen. But it was always more than just selling wings. At times, selling wings helped his family through tough times financially.

What began in his apartment has since helped Money and his family move into a new home. The growth took off with his food truck, an opportunity that came from the owners of another local food truck. The owners of Taste of Philly Flava, out of Marion, mentored Money and provided him with the equipment he needed to take off.

“That food truck is what got me on my feet,” Money said.

He has been serving from the truck for five months, providing for his fiancée Jordan and two boys, one of whom the couple has been fostering and plans to adopt. He has gone from selling wings by the dozens to selling them by the thousands. On Super Bowl Sunday alone, he prepared about 2,500 wings from his commissary kitchen for game-day orders.

Despite the growth, giving back remains central to his mission. When food is left over, Money distributes it to people experiencing homelessness.

“You need to bless someone before you can be blessed,” Money said.

Money is also working with another local food truck owner to start a nonprofit serving at-risk youth. The program would rotate students through local businesses, teaching job skills and financial responsibility, with The Fire Truck Catering among the stops.

“I’m just trying to make sure at-risk teens are doing the right thing and getting them out and about because I was one of those kids,” Money said.

Looking ahead, Money hopes to open a brick-and-mortar location in Morganton. He envisions a space serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a bar and gathering space in the evenings.

“Right now, the biggest thing is just to grow and keep the brand alive,” Money said. “To keep integrity, keep charisma, and lead by example.”

The Firetruck Catering is at Sidetracked Brewery every Tuesday from 4-10 p.m. Customers who follow the business on Facebook receive $2 off each order. Money is also hiring line cooks, cashiers, and someone to help with booking. For those interested, call 828-604-0655.