Buhl Idaho Couple Wins Food Truck Of Year, Fundraising For Autism

Two former United States military officers, culinary arts school graduates, Southern Idaho residents, and proud parents of two young boys were recently honored by a national business index body that monitors online reviews and uses Internet data-driven algorithms.

In layman's terms, it means James and Sydney Hoban know how to cook. James and Sydney have owned TWN Flames in Buhl for over a year now, and what a year it's been.

The two were recently awarded an impressive 4.9 stars by the Consumer Ratings Institute (CRI), resulting in the couple being recipients of the 2026 Southern Idaho Food Truck of the Year. The two veterans were also recently honored with the 2026 Breakthrough Business Award.

Buhl Couple Wins 'Food Truck Of The Year' For Southern Idaho And Are Raising Money For Autism

James and Sydney started TWN Flames in October 2025. Credit: TWN Flames

'Winning this award means a lot to us, especially knowing it’s based on feedback from our customers. Syd and I have poured everything we have into building TWN Flames, and to receive this kind of recognition in our first year is pretty incredible,' said James Hoban in a recent interview.

'We’ve always wanted to make great food, have a little fun, and give people a reason to come back. The fact that our community has embraced us the way they have is something we’re really proud of.'

James and Sydney met while stationed in the Army in California several years ago and quickly realized they had a great deal in common and shared similar aspirations outside of their military duties.

Fast forward a few years, and the two obtained master's degrees, got married, graduated from culinary school, and are raising two boys, Michael and Jamie. Michael, who is turning nine soon, was diagnosed as autistic when he was younger, and his parents have been active in attending events aimed at educating the public and raising money for research into the brain development disorder ever since.

READ MORE: Idaho Bassist Considered One Of Best Ever Despite Brain Disorder

James, Sydney, and the kids are planning to travel to Philadelphia next year for the annual Eagles Autism Challenge Sensory Walk. The couple is currently raising money for the cause by donating a portion of sales from their signature 'Kaiju Special.' Their goal is to raise $5,000 for the cause by the May 31, 2027, deadline.

Both James and Sydney are passionate two-time world champion Philadelphia Eagles fans; we have that in common.

To make a donation, get more information on the autism challenge, or TWN Flames, click here.

Let's go BIRDS!