SignatureBifana
Marinated pork cutlets, slow-stewed in garlic, white wine and paprika, tucked into a crusty Portuguese papo-seco roll.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'
