From Capsized to Comeback: Big Papi Cheesesteak Needs You

On what was supposed to be a regular day serving smiles and cheesesteaks on the water, disaster struck Big Papi Cheesesteak, a beloved family-owned food boat that has been part of the South-Florida community since 1997.

While navigating the Boca Intracoastal near the drawbridge to Lake Boca, in an area clearly marked as a slow wake zone on the weekends, a series of reckless wakes from speeding boats caused Big Papi Cheesesteak to flip unexpectedly. Despite years of experience and safe handling, the chaotic weekend traffic and wave collisions proved too much.

A Near-Fatal Incident

In a terrifying moment, the family’s mother and sister were trapped inside the vessel, submerged and struggling to escape. By sheer luck and fast action, they survived, but they came within seconds of losing their lives. The trauma, damage, and financial loss are devastating.

What Was Lost

Big Papi Cheesesteak wasn’t just a boat — it was the heart of a family and a local icon. A dream built over two decades, serving food, memories, and joy to locals and tourists alike. The boat, the equipment, and the ability to keep operating — all gone in an instant.

Why We Need Your Help

This is more than just about rebuilding a boat — it’s about keeping a family’s dream alive. They’ve given so much to the community. Now it’s our turn to give back.

Your donation will go toward:

    •    Replacing the damaged boat and essential equipment

    •    Covering lost income during the recovery period

    •    Supporting the family with medical and recovery costs

    •    Ensuring safety upgrades for the future

Let’s Rally for Big Papi

Whether you’ve grabbed a cheesesteak from them before or just believe in supporting small family-run businesses, your help means everything right now. Every dollar, every share, every kind word counts.

Let’s bring Big Papi Cheesesteak back stronger than ever, because no wave should ever wipe out a dream like this.

Thank you for your support.

— The Big Papi Cheesesteak Family