In a devastating turn of events, Liz Woodard’s beloved dessert food truck—an extension of Lizzy B’s Bakery & Bistro—caught fire on April 6, 2023, while traveling along I-59 near mile marker 94. The Trussville, Alabama-based business faced significant operational challenges as the fire destroyed a vital component of Woodard’s expanding enterprise. While thankfully no one was injured in the incident, the community’s response proved extraordinary, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $8,000 in just 24 hours toward the $50,000 goal needed for a replacement vehicle. This heartwarming display of solidarity demonstrates how local food businesses become intertwined with the communities they serve, creating bonds that extend far beyond simple customer relationships.
The Fiery Setback That Halted a Sweet Dream
What began as an ordinary April day quickly turned into a nightmare for Liz Woodard when her dessert food truck erupted in flames on Interstate 59. The devastating fire occurred near mile marker 94 as the truck was en route to a scheduled event. Firefighters responded promptly to the scene, but despite their efforts, the truck suffered extensive damage.
This food truck wasn’t just any vehicle—it represented years of hard work and dedication as an extension of Lizzy B’s Bakery & Bistro. Based in Trussville, Alabama, the mobile operation had become a crucial business component for Woodard, allowing her to reach customers beyond her brick-and-mortar location. The fire effectively halted this aspect of her business operations instantly.
While insurance would cover some costs, the financial burden of replacing a fully-equipped food truck proved substantial. Many small business owners face similar challenges when unexpected disasters strike, especially in the food industry where rising operational costs already create tight margins. For Woodard, the timing couldn’t have been worse, coming at the start of the busy spring and summer season.
“Everything happened so fast,” Woodard explained in a social media post following the incident. “One minute we were driving to our event, and the next we were watching everything we’d built go up in flames.” Thankfully, no injuries occurred, which Woodard emphasized was the most important thing despite the financial loss.
Trussville Community Shows Its Sweetest Side
Within hours of the fire, news spread throughout Trussville and surrounding communities about Lizzy B’s misfortune. What happened next demonstrated the incredible power of community support. Long-time customer and family friend Sarah Jenkins immediately established a GoFundMe campaign with an ambitious $50,000 goal—the estimated cost to purchase and outfit a new food truck.
The community response was swift and overwhelming. In just 24 hours, over $8,000 had been donated through the fundraising platform, with contributions ranging from $5 to several hundred dollars. Local businesses jumped in too, with some hosting special events with proceeds directed toward helping Lizzy B’s rebuild.
“I’ve always believed in supporting local businesses, but I never expected this level of support in return,” Woodard said. “It’s humbling to see how many people care about our little bakery.” The campaign continues to gain momentum, with regular updates posted about progress toward the goal.
Beyond financial contributions, practical help emerged from unexpected places. Competition in the food industry can be fierce, but several other local food truck operators offered temporary space in their vehicles for upcoming events Woodard had already committed to. This collaborative spirit shows how small business communities often band together during crises rather than viewing each other solely as competition.
The Sweet Story Behind Lizzy B’s Bakery & Bistro
To understand why the community rallied so quickly, it helps to know the story behind Lizzy B’s. Founded in 2015, the beloved bakery quickly became a Trussville institution. Woodard started with just a few family recipes and a passion for baking, operating initially from her home kitchen before expanding to a storefront as demand grew.
The bakery’s reputation grew primarily through word-of-mouth, with customers praising both the quality of the desserts and Woodard’s commitment to customer service. Specializing in custom cakes, pastries, and Southern-inspired desserts, Lizzy B’s developed a loyal following that extends throughout central Alabama. Their caramel cake, in particular, has achieved almost legendary status among locals.
Adding the food truck three years ago represented a significant expansion for the business, allowing Lizzy B’s to serve at festivals, corporate events, and private parties throughout the region. This mobile operation had become increasingly important to the bakery’s overall business model, accounting for approximately 30% of revenue according to Woodard.
Unlike some dessert shops that focus solely on trendy items, Lizzy B’s has built its reputation on consistently delivering high-quality classics with occasional innovative twists. This approach has helped them develop the kind of cultural significance that some dessert establishments achieve within their communities. The business has also been actively involved in community events, regularly donating baked goods to local fundraisers and school functions.
More Than Just Lost Revenue: The Broader Impact
The fire’s impact extends far beyond just the immediate financial loss. Woodard had to cancel several commitments for upcoming events, potentially damaging business relationships built over years. The spring and summer calendar was already filled with bookings for graduations, weddings, and corporate gatherings—all now requiring alternative arrangements.
The food truck also employed two part-time staff members who now face temporary unemployment until operations can resume. These personal impacts highlight how small business disasters affect not just owners but entire networks of employees, suppliers, and customers. In small communities like Trussville, these ripple effects can be particularly pronounced.
“We’re determined not to let our customers down,” Woodard emphasized. “We’re working around the clock to find creative solutions for the events we’ve committed to.” This has meant partnering with other local vendors and sometimes providing discounted services from the main bakery location to maintain goodwill with clients whose events were affected.
The incident has also prompted Woodard to revisit her business insurance coverage and emergency preparedness plans. Many food truck operators face similar challenges with adequate insurance, often discovering coverage gaps only after incidents occur. This situation serves as a reminder for all small food businesses to regularly review their policies, especially those with mobile operations.
From Ashes to Opportunity: Plans for Recovery
Despite the setback, Woodard has maintained a remarkably positive outlook. “Sometimes the worst situations create unexpected opportunities,” she noted in a recent interview. Rather than simply replacing what was lost, she’s using this chance to reimagine her business model and potentially upgrade certain aspects of her mobile operation.
The new food truck, once funded, will feature improved equipment and layout based on lessons learned from operating the previous vehicle. Woodard is also considering expanding the mobile menu to include more grab-and-go options that proved popular at events. This forward-thinking approach has resonated with supporters who appreciate seeing resilience in action.
Safety features will be a particular focus in the new vehicle. While the cause of the original fire remains under investigation, Woodard is committed to implementing additional preventative measures beyond standard requirements. These include enhanced fire suppression systems and more rigorous maintenance schedules.
The recovery process has also connected Woodard with broader baking communities beyond her local area, as fellow food entrepreneurs from across the country have reached out with advice and encouragement. These new connections may provide valuable resources and collaboration opportunities that wouldn’t have developed otherwise.
Sweet Ways to Support Lizzy B’s Comeback Journey
For those inspired by Lizzy B’s story and wanting to help, there are several meaningful ways to contribute to the recovery effort. The GoFundMe campaign remains active at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lizzy-bs-rebuild-after-food-truck-fire, with regular updates on progress toward the $50,000 goal. Even small donations add up quickly when a community comes together.
Beyond financial contributions, supporting the brick-and-mortar location directly helps maintain cash flow during this challenging period. Visiting the bakery at its Trussville location or ordering custom desserts for events provides immediate revenue that can help bridge the gap until the food truck is replaced. The ongoing patronage also helps maintain morale among staff during this difficult transition.
Social media support costs nothing but can have significant impact. Sharing Lizzy B’s posts about the fundraising campaign helps reach potential donors outside immediate social circles. Writing positive reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google Business can also help attract new customers to the physical location. In our digital age, this kind of support network can prove invaluable during crises.
For businesses and organizations, considering Lizzy B’s for catering needs—even with the limitations of not having the food truck—provides substantial support. Woodard has confirmed that while some larger events may require adjustments, the bakery can still accommodate most catering requests using alternative delivery methods. These orders are particularly valuable during the rebuilding phase.
“The way forward isn’t about just getting back to where we were,” Woodard reflected. “It’s about building something better together with this amazing community that has shown us so much love.” With continued support and Woodard’s determined spirit, Lizzy B’s food truck will likely be back on the road—perhaps better than ever—in the months ahead.
To contact Lizzy B’s Bakery & Bistro directly, call (205) 655-7552 or email info@lizzybsbakery.com. The bakery’s website at https://www.lizzybsbakery.com also provides current hours of operation and menu information. Consider submitting your dessert recipe to be featured on our site or checking out some churro & foodie-themed apparel while you’re here!