John is one of 11 children who came to the United States in 1986 from the Azores while knowing no English. John and his brother Paul were some of Cape Cod Oysters earliest employees along with Dave Ryan.

John started as a jerkraker for littlenecks during our early clam business and has since worked in all aspects of the business. It’s often said that every oyster at some point moves through his hands. John is a walking encyclopedia of the tides and marshes of Barnstable Harbor and helps trains new employees on the proper way (John’s way!) to care for and sort oysters.  

John is forever indebted to Al and Dave for giving him his start in the oyster business.  

John is a year-round Cape Cod resident.

Fun Fact:

John is the host of his wildly popular Youtube Channel called WILLITGROW and is an expert in backyard gardening.