Officer-turned-restaurateur carries Bahamian flavors to Charlotte, North Carolina

In the heart of Mooresville, a new culinary gem has emerged, blending the vibrant flavors of the Bahamas with the charm of small-town America.

Brother Pay Bahamian Delight, featured in a local daily, The Charlotte Observer, a restaurant that pays homage to the rich heritage of its owner, Owenta Richards, has quickly become a local favorite. The establishment is more than just a place to dine; it celebrates Bahamian culture, history, and community.

A framed portrait of John Pennerman is at the entrance, a man whose legacy transcends his roles as a cook, food seller, and minister. This tribute sets the tone for an authentic experience, where every dish tells a story and every flavor carries the warmth of the Bahamas.

A mural of the Bahamian flag adorns the walls and the rhythmic beats of Bahamian music set the backdrop for an evening of karaoke, laughter, and camaraderie. It’s a slice of the Bahamas nestled in the cultural landscape of the Charlotte area, where festivals and businesses celebrate the diversity that enriches the community.

Richards, a former officer in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, sought new horizons near her son in Jacksonville, Florida. Her path led her to Lake Norman, where love and opportunity intertwined, culminating in her marriage to John Richards, a local chief engineer, and the birth of their dream restaurant.

Mooresville, known for its serene vistas and less-traveled roads, offered Richards the perfect canvas to craft her vision. Here, she found the tranquility that contrasts sharply with the bustling traffic of Lake Norman, a serenity that mirrors the laid-back lifestyle of her Bahamian upbringing.

It’s in this setting that she chose to share her culinary heritage, drawing from secret family recipes and the freshest seafood flown in from the Bahamas.

The menu at Brother Pay Bahamian Delight is a testament to the bounty of the sea, featuring delicacies like conch, lobster, land crabs, grouper, and red snapper. Each dish is a labor of love, infused with secret family sauces and recipes that have been passed down through the ages. From the savory chicken entrees to the creamy mac-and-cheese, every bite is a journey to the heart of the Bahamas.

The restaurant is located 969 N. Main St in Mooresville, NC

Featured picture: Owenta Richards is pictured in the purple shirt, surrounded by her sons, niece and family friend. 

This story is adapted from The Charlotte Observer