Massachusetts Teen Turns Harbor Cruises Into Floating Cookouts With GrubTub

Some days I'm handed assignments that feel like work, while other days I'm tasked with a job that feel's like a three-hour vacation in the middle of the week.

On what started as a picture-perfect Wednesday afternoon in Dartmouth's Padanaram Harbor, I joined my coworkers Tim Weisberg, Kristen Pacheco, Ken Pittman and producer Matthew Barth aboard one of the SouthCoast's most unique experiences: GrubTub.

What followed was part boat ride, part cookout, part floating happy hour and one of the most relaxing afternoons I've had in a long time.

The concept comes from 19-year-old entrepreneur Joey Chedid, a Boston University student who somehow finds time between classes to operate not one, but two successful businesses. His latest venture, GrubTub, combines food, friends and the water into one unforgettable experience.

A Donut Boat With a Grill in the Middle

Trying to describe a GrubTub without seeing one is a challenge. Imagine a giant floating donut with comfortable seating arranged in a circle around a propane grill. There's also an umbrella overhead for shade, room for up to eight people and just enough speed to leisurely cruise around the harbor without a care in the world.

Dartmouth's Floating Grub Hub Grilling Boat

Before heading out, I picked up steak tips and vegetables for the grill. Once we pushed off from the dock, we fired up the grill and started cooking right there on the water. There was something incredibly satisfying about grilling lunch while slowly floating through one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the SouthCoast. Also, here's a fun fact for you: did you know that Padanaram Harbor was voted the best in the country in 2019? You do now.

READ MORE: Padanaram Bridge Schedule 2026

Anyway, back to the floating donut. The boat moves at only a few miles per hour, which is exactly the point. This is not a thrill ride. It's an opportunity to unplug, relax, enjoy great food and spend quality time with the people around you.

The Kind of Afternoon You Wish Wouldn't End

As the afternoon went on, the conversation flowed just as easily as the harbor breeze. We laughed, shared stories, enjoyed a cold drink and simply soaked in the experience. At one point, I even jumped into the water for a swim, and it was absolutely perfect.

Dartmouth's Floating Grub Hub Grilling Boat

The weather could not have been better. The sun was shining, the breeze kept everything comfortable and the harbor looked like something straight out of a postcard. Halfway through the trip, we even removed the umbrella to enjoy and soak in a little more sunshine. The best way I can describe the feeling is that it felt like a Friday afternoon, even though it was only Wednesday.

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For a few hours, every stress, deadline and responsibility seemed to drift away behind us.

Built by a Teen Entrepreneur

What makes the story even more impressive is the person behind it all. Chedid started his first business, Barnacle Boys, when he was just 15 years old. The marine maintenance and commercial diving company continues to operate today, and he used the success of that business to fund GrubTub. Last year, GrubTub booked more than 60 rentals during a shortened season.

Dartmouth's Floating Grub Hub Grilling Boat

This year, Chedid is hoping to surpass 100 rentals as more people discover the floating cookout experience. The company also offers sunset cruises, gift cards and Wednesday night concert experiences where guests can float into Apponagansett Bay and enjoy live music from the water.

After spending an afternoon aboard one myself, I can confidently say the hype is real. Need more convincing? Score yourself the experience at half-price or if you don't want to wait, book your GrubTub adventure online.

READ MORE: Massachusetts Pizza Shop Serves a Lobster Pie Loaded With 7 Ounces of Lobster

Whether you're planning a Father's Day gift, a birthday celebration, a bachelor or bachelorette party or simply looking for something different to do this summer, GrubTub delivers exactly what its name promises: good grub, good company and a whole lot of fun on the water.