Today we’d like to introduce you to Lupe Moreno. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Blindman BBQ was established in March of 2021. Although backyard BBQ had always been a hobby for Pitmaster Lupe Moreno aka “Jr.”, it came to fruition when family and friends joined forces to host a BBQ fundraiser for his upcoming last-ditch effort eye surgeries.
Jr. was raised in Austin, Texas and grew up in the heart of Dove Springs. Shortly after beginning elementary school, it was discovered that he suffered from severe vision impairments.
In the Spring of 2017, Jr. woke up one morning and could not see out of his right eye. The first of four eye diseases would be identified shortly thereafter along with consistent treatments to try to salvage what vision was left. Regular treatments over the next 4 years would slow the loss of vision but not stop it, or restore it. By the Summer of 2020, the vision has worsened to a -24.00 in both eyes along with a “cloudy haze” that would only intensify each day. This resulted in Jr. losing his driver’s license, his independence, and by February 2021, his vision. Before surgeries, Jr. was legally blind in the left eye (20/200) and 20/180 in the right eye.
Jr. would lean on family and friends for rides, assistance with work, and depending on the lighting and atmosphere, he sometimes even needed help with direction, walking, and being fed.
Needing to stay occupied and relying on his “never give up” determination, Jr. would retreat to his childhood days, and favorite hobby. He would spend most of his sightless nights alongside a pit. If you have ever smoked a brisket, you understand the process and the entire theme of “low and slow”. This slow aging process was just the recipe Jr. needed to feel some sort of independence while doing something he loved. Using and adapting his four other senses, Jr. mastered the foundation of every BBQ or cookout, the fire. This along with physical activity, meditation, and most importantly and powerfully, the love and support of his family and friends, Jr. was able to remain positive and upbeat.
Unexpected good news would arrive in February 2021 with a referral to a doctor in the Austin area who specializes in advanced research. Armed with a confident Doctor and a strong loving family the seeds of Blind Man BBQ were planted.
With support from family, friends, especially those from the Dove Springs Community, established the birth of Blindman BBQ with what started as a mere March fundraiser to assist with medical expenses.
Jr. now has 20/30 vision in the right eye and 20/60 vision in the left eye thanks to Dr. Khan-Farooqi.
Together, along with our family and friends, we invite you over to relax, enjoy life, and good company with our delicious Q.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. We had to teach ourselves how to build a business from the ground up. I felt like my vision impairments slowed down further an already slow process.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been told that I make delicious Barbecue. I specialize in Old Fashioned Central Texas/South Texas smoking, grilling, & cooking. I have overcome a lot in my short life and I’m still standing and doing what I love. Just being a fighter.
I believe I have a high tolerance for discomfort. This pushes me to always do better and I truly believe that I “see” things differently.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The barbecue capital of the world is 20 miles Southeast of our food truck, but the radius continues to grow worldwide.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @blindmanbbq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078564764793&mibextid=ZbWKwL
