The owner of a popular barbecue joint in northwest Denver was found Friday morning about 2 miles from his restaurant and has since been taken to a hospital for treatment, his wife says.

“He has been found. He was disoriented,” said Colleen Vantuyl, the wife of Stacy Vantuyl, 44, who was reported missing Wednesday morning.

Stacy Vantuyl, the proprietor of Ragin’ Hog BBQ, 4361 Lowell Blvd., disappeared mysteriously after leaving prepared meats in the kitchen ready to be smoked.

He left a text message that said he thought he heard someone messing around with the dumpster near the restaurant. Stacy’s wallet, his cellphone and vehicle, a minivan, all were left at the restaurant. A partial, bloody palm print was found on the wall.

But police say Stacy was not harmed and is safe.

“He walked to 53rd and Tennyson,” Colleen Vantuyl said.

She reopened the restaurant Friday for customers.

Colleen Vantuyl said she wanted to thank everyone who helped search for her husband.