By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Falling 150 feet into an elevator shaft could have been the end of Matthew Harper’s story, but it wasn’t.

Harper was 27 in August of 2020 when he fell down the elevator shaft and broke his hip and both his legs. He also broke his jaw, an elbow, his tailbone, and his back during the fall. He has undergone 10 surgeries and he needed to learn how to walk again. He was in physical therapy for two years, and once he made enough progress physically, he decided to open his own business, PA Boys Barbecue.

“That could have been the end, but it was really the beginning,” Harper explained of his injuries.“I did go on worker’s compensation for two years, but I knew I didn’t want my life to end there.”

His story could have been so different. The fact he not only survived, but thrived, is inspiring.

Harper served in the Army from 2011 to 2016. While there, he was trained to work on HVAC systems and he did that for a while when he got out of the Army, but then decided to go to work for an elevator company. He admits that might not have been the best decision, but he is happy with his life now and realizes whatever he had to go through to get where he is now is worth it.

Harper could have given up after the accident and sometimes even he doesn’t know why he didn’t.

“I am in constant pain,” he said, “but working takes my mind off of that.”

Knowing that giving up wasn’t an option, Harper immediately started to figure out what else he could do with his life. He had to make a living.

During his recovery, he started making barbecue sauce. 

“People said it was good,” he said. “I know I can cook so I came up with the idea of a food truck. I started to work with different breweries and wineries around the area. I also set up my truck at the Farmers Market near the Octorara School. In July of 2022, I had my soft opening at the VFW in Parkesburg. Then, in February 2024, I bought what used to be the Varsity Grill and we opened the doors in June of 2024. I sold my house and put the money back in my business. The business immediately took off.”

Harper’s food truck can be found all over Chester County, Delaware and Maryland. He frequently goes to Wayvine Winery and Vineyard, other wineries and breweries, to private and corporate events, weddings and other celebrations, and benefit events. He said that he really enjoys working during events that benefit those in need. One recent example is when he worked with Gavinell Meat Co. in Conowingo when their market was destroyed by fire.

From the location at 277 S. Third Street in Oxford, PA Boys Barbecue sells barbecue, smash burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, street corn, macaroni and cheese, and whatever else they create. The restaurant is open on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Harper said that he loves working in the Oxford community and invites everyone to stop in and try their barbecue and other offerings.