Several new restaurants are scheduled to open in the Port Lucaya Marketplace (PLM) in the coming months, serving up dozens of jobs and a much-needed economic surge for Grand Bahama.
Bourbon Street Limited, owner of PLM, has announced the opening of Molly Malone's and Bateman's Big Easy Daiquiri Bar and Restaurant Café.
Molly Malone's is an Irish-inspired restaurant owned by Bahamian resident Yvonne Morris and her husband James.
"This native of Belfast Northern Ireland and resident of The Bahamas promises that Molly Malone's Irish Pub will be serving traditional Irish dishes and beverages. Molly Malone's Irish Pub's atmosphere sells itself as a lively place for Irish music, great food, moderately priced, cold beverages and engaging conversation. Patrons will also be able to take home mementos like T-shirts, sweatshirts and coffee mugs as well as other logo items," according to Karen Ferguson-Bain, PLM's entertainment and marketing coordinator.
Meanwhile, a restaurant themed after New Orleans and Mardi Gras will open right next door.
Bateman's Big Easy Daiquiri Bar and Restaurant Café, Ferguson-Bain said, will offer a blend of fresh fruits, daiquiris and smoothies, such as Bahamian sour sop, guinep, sapodilla, mango, banana and tamarind.
"The motto of the restaurant will be 'yes is the answer', as we strive for exemplary customer satisfaction. Bateman's Big Easy Daiquiri Bar and Restaurant Café is a must for daiquiri lovers, seafood lovers and those desirous of experiencing the creole/Cajun flavor of New Orleans. Regular bar beverages will also be available," said Bateman Smith, the owner.
The former Shenanigans venue will be split to accommodate Molly Malone's and Bateman's Big Easy Daiquiri Bar and Restaurant Café.
A new Caribbean/Bahamian restaurant tenant has also been secured to replace Caribbean Café.
John Swain, president of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC), told Guardian Business that he welcomes these new additions to the PLM. The restaurants, he said, will no doubt bring a much-needed boost to the economy.
The Department of Statistics estimates that Grand Bahama has a unemployment rate of 21 percent.
"With any addition like that, it definitely is a boost to the Grand Bahama economy and these eateries will create new employment. There are many Grand Bahamians that are in desperate need of jobs at this time. The economy is now beginning to turn around," he added.
Pizza Hut is also scheduled to open its doors soon, marking its second location on the island, and replaces Pussers Pub.
"We encourage you to pull up a chair and bon appetite, Port Lucaya Marketplace, where we have it all!" Karen Ferguson-Bain shared.
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