Portuguese Flavor
on Wheels.

Our Story

A Family Dream,
Three Generations Strong.

Born on the island of Faial in the Azores, Jorge Fonseca arrived in Santa Maria, California at the age of seven — carrying the recipes, language and warmth of a Portuguese home. He grew into a CIF champion, a proud Teamster, and a fixture of the Elks Lodge and Portuguese community on the Central Coast.

Today, that journey rolls forward with the next generation beside him — including Jorge's granddaughter Zyann, learning the recipes, the regulars, and the simple Fonseca lesson that hard work and hospitality are how this family says I love you. Portigie Jorge's is a love letter to the Azores and to Santa Maria BBQ — and a promise that 20% of proceeds will help immigrant children afford college.

1. 1960s

   Born on Faial, Azores

   Jorge Fonseca's roots run deep in the volcanic islands of Faial — a place of fishermen, farmers, and family tables that never end.

2. Age 7

   A new chapter in Santa Maria

   The Fonseca family crossed the Atlantic and planted new roots in Santa Maria, California — bringing language, recipes, and the warmth of home.

3. 1979–80

   CIF Champions

   Jorge's competitive fire showed early — earning CIF championship honors and the discipline that would shape a lifetime of hard work.

4. Working years

   Teamsters & community man

   Decades with the Teamsters and active service with the Elks Lodge — a quiet pillar of the Portuguese community on the Central Coast.

5. Today

   Three generations on wheels

   Jorge, his family, and his granddaughter Zyann roll forward together — bringing the Azores and Santa Maria to your neighborhood, one bifana, one Tri-Tip, one community stop at a time.

6. The next chapter

   Zyann — the youngest Fonseca

   Jorge's granddaughter Zyann is part of the family business from day one — learning the recipes, the names, the regulars, and the simple lesson that hard work and hospitality are how the Fonsecas say 'I love you.'