‘Raised to give back:’ Family barbeque feeds all

Dec 30, 2024

Whether on the side of the road looking for people in need, or at a number of different festivals and fairs along the South Coast, a big blue food truck sporting the letters G.L.O., dishing out freshly cooked barbecue is not an uncommon site in Wareham.

The food truck is owned and operated by lifelong Wareham resident Orlarndo Vieira who started his mobile barbecue business in 2021 with an old oil drum, cooking on the side of Minot Avenue. Vieira dishes out hot plates of ribs, chicken and rice as well as many other barbecue classics, all in the name of being able to feed those who can't otherwise get a hot meal.

"I was raised to always give back and take care of my loved ones," said Vieira. "The Wareham community has given me a lot of support so I want to support it back."

Vieira frequently posts on Facebook where his truck will be setup and he has made many appearances at local events like the Harvest Moon Festival and Turning Point's Taste of Our Town.

Eventually Vieira got the necessary permits to start a business and purchased a food truck in 2023 and while he started doing a lot of catering, he still cooked on the side of the road, commonly outside of the Dollar General on Cranberry Highway.

Through the roadside stops, Vieira said he has been able to make connections with people who he otherwise would not have met.

"There was one guy who came by my barbecue, this guy Rob and he gave me $200 to go and feed whoever was in line who was in need of food," said Vieira. "There were a couple homeless people that live near Cranberry Highway and I was able to give them each a plate for free."

He added he wants to make sure everyone has a chance to eat and will give out samples.

"Anybody that comes to my food truck that has never ate my food can sample anything," said Vieira. "I like them to try everything so when they come back a second time, they know what they are going to get."

Through his work, Vieira said that he has been able to make friendships with those he serves.

"Kevin who runs the Onset Bay Marina will call me up and we will hang out together," said Vieira. "

On top of supporting the community he has called home for many years, Vieira said he wants to show his children Giovanni and Lucianno, whom the business is named after, the importance of giving back.

"I want them to learn how to treat people the way people are supposed to be treated," said Vieira. "When people are in need, help them out. I'm trying to show them how to give back to the community."