While training to become a chef, Alejandro Barrientos made a promise to God: if he ever became successful, he would always make it a point to give to those less fortunate.
To call Barrientos’ career a success would be an understatement.
Since opening Curb Side Bistro in 2014, Barrientos has expanded his food truck into a brick-and-mortar location in Odessa, been the recipient of a James Beard Foundation award, opened a second location in Midland and was crowned the winner on an episode of Food Network’s “Chopped.”
A man of his word, Barrientos is always looking for ways to feed those in need, from children to first responders.
This Thanksgiving, he plans on continuing an almost decade-old tradition of giving.
“This is going to be our ninth year, and it’s important to get involved with your community,” Barrientos said of the annual Thanksgiving event Curb Side Bistro hosts. “We’ve been blessed in what we’ve done and accomplished, and this is going to be one for the books.”
From the inaugural meal in 2014, which fed about 600 people, Barrientos said about 1,600 people were served in 2022. With the addition of the Midland location, he expects to surpass that number.
The Midland meal will begin at 11 a.m. Nov. 22 at 607 N. Colorado St. The Odessa meal will be at 11 a.m. Nov. 23 at 3816 Andrews Highway. Both events will continue until food runs out, Barrientos said.
The menu includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, gravy, rolls, dessert and a drink. The event is free and will be served drive-thru style. People will be able to drive up to the restaurant and request plates without having to leave their vehicle.
“There’s no reservations, no VIP, no questions asked,” Barrientos said. “You just show up and we’ll ask how many plates you need.”
Volunteers are always needed. Brandi Odom said she’s hoping to finally be able to jump in the line and help serve food.
The owner of The Cake Company of Odessa, Odom has been bringing desserts to Barrientos’ event since 2015 to serve with the dinner. That first donation, a way to ensure holiday orders that weren’t picked up got used, soon became an annual tradition of preparing desserts for Curb Side Bistro.
“A lot of us try to think outside the box when it comes to giving back, but he’s actually gone out and taken it by the reins,” she said.
If you go
- What: Ninth Annual Curb Side Bistro Thanksgiving meal.
- When: Nov. 22, 607 N. Colorado St., Midland; Nov. 23, 3816 Andrews Highway, Odessa. Both locations begin at 11 a.m. and will continue until food runs out.
- Cost: Free to the public.
