It was Christmas Day and many of those who celebrate gathered with friends and family for dinner in the warmth of their homes. 

But not everyone has a place to go for the holidays or the ability to access a hot meal. 

However, one Onset resident was determined to change that. 

Orlarndo Vieira, owner of the food truck GLO Barbecue, stationed himself at Joe’s Gas on Main Street and gave out approximately 70 plates of chicken and rice to anyone who showed up. Many heard about what he was up to through Facebook, where his post announcing the meals received hundreds of likes and shares.

“That's how I was brought up,” Vieira said. “I was raised to give back.”

This isn’t the first time Vieira has given up some of his holiday for others. On Thanksgiving, Vieira was in Lowell to hand out meals as well. 

He said he’s always loved cooking and had even spent time cooking as a volunteer for the VFW. At one point, his family began encouraging him to open a business.

So in 2021, Vieira started out on the side of the road with an old oil tank for a grill and a dream. 

Since then, his business has grown. Vieira eventually began to use a chicken roaster and a rib roaster, and in June 2023, he finally obtained his own food truck where he has been cooking up barbecue and Cape Verdean foods ever since. 

In just the last six months, Vieira said he has served 20 events — both private and public — and already has eight lined up in the new year.

He said the best part has always been “seeing the people’s faces after they tried my food.”

“They get a big smile on their face and [say], ‘Oh, my God. That food is so delicious. How’d you make that?” he said, adding he has not received a single complaint since he’s started his business.

While GLO Barbecue is officially done for the season, the truck will be rolling through Wareham once more when the weather breaks.