You all do not know the influence you’re making on folks’s lives. NO IDEA. These are very emotional occasions… so really feel good moments like this, really feel SO good. I stay on the Southside of city and whereas cruising round after lunch with my husband, I handed the Greenback Tree and understanding our beloved “Oreo guys” have been close to, we did a couple of turns across the block till we discovered their new truck.

I Lastly Met Dee

I by no means introduce myself wherever I’m going, however I simply couldn’t assist myself… I needed to say hello this time. Nobody was in line at 2pm on a weekday afternoon, so all I mentioned was, “Hello, I’m Jennifer, I’ve a group on Fb known as Tallahassee Foodies”. Earlier than introducing himself (I already knew from the group), he runs out from the within of his truck and leaning in direction of me, but at a social distance mentioned, “You haven’t any concept, no concept the influence you all have made on my life. You haven’t any concept”! He mentioned, “I used to be on the verge, on the brink, do you perceive what I’m saying?” I shook my head sure as a result of, though I don’t know precisely what he was on the verge of, as a result of he by no means completed his sentence, what I did perceive is that “the verge” wasn’t good, and since of you all, there’s been a important turning level on this younger man’s life.

Demetrius “Dee” Murray gushed, “I’ve folks coming all the best way from the Northside of city, most likely from good neighborhoods, some of them say they’ve by no means been on this space, coming all this fashion for my Oreos! For Oreos! Do you perceive what I’m saying? Do you perceive the influence you’ve had on my life! You might be brining folks collectively!” At this level, I understood what he was saying, after which got here tears I used to be hiding behind my sun shades, despite the fact that it had began to rain.

He mentioned, “there have been three younger boys strolling by the opposite day, about 13 or in order that stay within the residence advanced behind my stand. I requested them what they have been as much as, they usually mentioned, they now wish to be legit like me, as a result of they’ve seen what I’ve occurring over right here. They see the lengthy line of automobiles ready to purchase Oreos from me, they see me hustling irrespective of how sizzling it’s exterior, they see me earning money the best method, they usually need the identical!”

Dee let me know, he wasn’t all the time doing issues the best method, it was one other unfinished sentence that was understood, however he’s been making it proper for a whereas now, and “feels blessed”, to make use of his phrases, by the alternatives this group has created for him. He stored crediting the group for his success, I stored crediting his smile and wonderful Oreos battered in his grandma’s recipe, and in some way I feel we simply met within the center, that maybe issues simply aligned they method they have been purported to – the group I created, his wonderful Oreos, his tremendous pleasant customer support, and a group that has rallied behind him. He additionally gave us a little tour of his truck, and he mentioned every thing we see was funded by the Foodies. He’s bought wheels now (YAY!!!), a bit of protection from the warmth, and an air con unit! He’s so appreciative of you all!

We requested about his brother, and realized they’re not household brothers, however as Dee says, they’re “life brothers”. Dee mentioned, “Marques had nothing, and I had much less, however he was higher about cash and was all the time instructing me.” He mentioned, “each penny we’ve ever made, we break up, and now we’re earning money the best method.” He promised that he’ll make us proud, however I assured him, he already has! I’m so moved by him, so moved by our second! My mother was canine sitting whereas we lunched as a result of my canine hates storms and chews every thing in sight. She couldn’t think about why I ran via the entrance door crying, simply making an attempt to get the phrases out and inform her all about Dee. “I lastly met Dee”, I instructed her, and he or she knew precisely who I used to be speaking about!

The Evolution Of A Viral Sensation

I’m certain all of you could have been following the evolution of The Gurlie’s, additionally fondly known as “The Oreo Guys” on the group, however in case you didn’t know, right here is the way it all kicked off:

Dee’s authentic stand. Picture courtesy of Tallahassee Foodies member Kesha Baker-Harris

A number of posts got here via early on raving about The Gurlie’s deep fried Oreos, fried of their grandma’s pancake batter recipe. Quite a bit of the pictures featured The Gurlie’s of their modest stand made of PVC pipe and banners.


June 20th


June 23rd

Dee’s stand blew over within the rain, Kristin Nichole talked about within the feedback at somebody’s Oreo put up, and I did a separate put up to deliver extra consideration to it. At this level, the Oreo posts actually began rolling in, virtually consistently!



July 1st

Kennedy Davis began spreading the phrase about a GoFundMe to offer a higher stand, one thing extra sturdy, earlier than the recent days of summer time started to take full impact. Once more, the Oreo posts began to hit new ranges on the group!

July 11th – Final Saturday

Final Saturday, as if it have been foreshadowing, one put up got here via, we actually have to get Dee a higher arrange, and other people began contributing extra to his GoFundMe in order that he may buy an A/C unit, followers, and a cooler for water. The subsequent put up comes via, Dee has a lengthy line of automobiles, nevertheless it’s sizzling out, and he’s pouring water over his head, seems dehydrated. The subsequent put up, Dee has handed out, and EMS is on the scene.



Whereas we have been anxiously awaiting information on how Dee is doing, his GoFundMe soars, exceeding their hopeful aim. The Gurlie’s take Sunday off to get well, and on Monday, Dee reveals as much as his location, with a trailer on wheels, a good sturdy stand constructed inside to assist his fryer and provides, and an A/C unit.

Have you ever visited The Gurlie’s but? Their Oreos are wonderful. The delicate Oreo turns into a half of the fried batter round it, making it a good little pastry. After you get your basket of Oreos, gown them up together with your favourite condiments – cheesecake, fudge, and strawberry frosting and a shake of powdered sugar. My want is that they full on increase into extra truthful meals objects, particularly funnel desserts! Sure, please!!!

If you end up going through the doorway of The Greenback Tree on South Monroe, look throughout the road on the advanced of little outlets. One can find The Gurlie’s tucked in to the left of that purchasing advanced.

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