In the bustling streets of Worcester, Massachusetts, a vibrant food truck adorned with Caribbean colors and the aroma of jerk chicken has become a local favorite. This is R&R Jerk Chicken, owned and operated by Trevor Delapara. His journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming a successful food truck owner is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of community.

Trevor was born in Guyana, a South American country with strong cultural ties to the Caribbean. Growing up, he was surrounded by the rich culinary traditions of his homeland, which would later inspire his cooking. However, life was not always easy for Trevor. He faced numerous challenges, including addiction and homelessness, which led him down a difficult path.

In 2019, Trevor experienced a significant turning point in his life. Amidst his struggles with crack cocaine addiction, he received $50,000 from divorce alimony payments. Instead of succumbing to his addiction, Trevor saw this as an opportunity to change his life. With a newfound clarity and determination, he decided to invest in himself and his passion for cooking.

He used the money to purchase a food truck, which he named R&R Jerk Chicken after his two daughters, Rachael and Reianna. With the help of his friend Alexander Atherley, he built a smoker and began perfecting his recipes for jerk chicken, ribs, and oxtail. His cooking technique, which involves wood-fired grills, is a nod to the authentic Jamaican method of preparing jerk chicken.

Trevor’s food truck quickly gained popularity in Worcester. He parks his colorful truck in front of Mechanics Hall from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, serving up delicious Caribbean dishes to late-night crowds. He also caters and participates in events like the annual Caribbean American Carnival, further establishing his presence in the community.

Despite his success, Trevor has faced numerous challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, posed significant obstacles for many small business owners, including those in the food truck industry. However, Trevor’s resilience and adaptability allowed him to navigate these difficulties and continue serving his loyal customers.

His story is not just about personal success; it’s also about giving back to the community. His food truck has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for many in Worcester. Trevor often shares his story of overcoming addiction and homelessness, emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance. His Christian beliefs have played a crucial role in his journey, providing him with the strength and guidance needed to turn his life around.

Trevor reflects on his journey, saying, “God found me — it wasn’t the other way around. I’m fortunate to be here today. I overcame addiction, I overcame homelessness”. He also shares his determination to succeed despite the odds: “I knew all the bets were against me with people saying, ‘He’s going to [expletive] the money up. He’s going to get high.’ So instead, I invested in myself and bought this food truck”.

Looking ahead, Trevor hopes to expand his business and reach even more people with his delicious Caribbean cuisine. He dreams of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant where he can offer a wider variety of dishes and create a welcoming space for the community to gather and enjoy good food.

Trevor Delapara’s journey from the streets of Worcester to becoming a successful food truck owner is a powerful story of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of food. His dedication to his craft and his community has made R&R Jerk Chicken a beloved fixture in Worcester. As Trevor continues to share his passion for Caribbean cuisine, he serves as a reminder that with determination and support, anyone can overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams.

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