restaurant

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

A local restaurant has taken advantage of the controversy surrounding the Bahamas’ delegation to Dubai.

Da Bush Cook’s recent posting on Facebook of  ‘Da Dubai Burger’ has circulated social media with many praising the marketing team of the local restaurant.

The burger is made of Angus beef and cracked lobster, dressed with truffle mayonnaise on a brioche bun. It is served with “seafood-loaded fries.”

The restaurant says, “You may not be in Dubai, but you could eat like you are.”

It is a nod to the cultural trip to the World Expo 2020 in Dubai that has become a hot button issue in the Bahamas due to the large contingent that left the country for the megacity, and the high cost of the trip. The government said it spent $1 million to supplement the $3 million donated by the United Emirates.

Some people questioned why other artisans were not invited to perform on the trip while others say nepotism was involved in the selection of performers.

Some Bahamians have labeled the criticizers as “salty” which means they are jealous or bitter because they were not invited to go to Dubai.

Da Bush Cook is nodding to that and offering a free bag of salty to its first 20 customers who purchase the burger.

Social media users have found the advertisement humourous.

Sheli Johnson says, “The petty and shade is heavy.”

Darren Outten says, “…say free bag of salty…yall great bey.”

Many others commented on the smart marketing campaign of the company.

“Edneka Pinder said, “Yall don’t waste no time.”

Zonia Wright said, “Your marketing skills are top tier.”