New Owners Preserving Best of The Past Traveller's Restaurant to Re-open
Six months after an icon of Nassau's historic landscape closed its doors, leaving fans scrambling to find a way to revive the quaint restaurant they loved, new owners announced today they will re-open Traveller's Restaurant as early as mid-April.
"We are incredibly excited about this project," said Jamie Dingman, who is leading a small group of private investors committed to restoring the once popular restaurant facing the sea on West Bay Street. "I remember growing up here and coming here on Sunday afternoons, eating a hamburger on toast and playing Connect Four. I couldn't believe the news when I read that it had closed its doors for good. It was as if a book had slammed shut on a chapter of Nassau's history."
Dingman was determined to re-open that chapter, giving back, he said, so others could enjoy the laid-back, concrete-clad, breezy treasure that, on its closing, had been elevated to nostalgia with pizzazz. He wasn't alone. Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe was so touched at the closing of a restaurant he dubbed a "symbol of quaint beauty" that he offered to find musicians and others who could put together a plan to save it. Personally, the minister said, he "could not remember a time was Traveller's Rest was not a part of the Bahamian landscape." Foreign reviews touted Traveller's Rest as the one place in Nassau that felt most like the Family Islands. One New York Times review all but sounded like an ad: "Set in an isolated spot about one and a half miles west of Cable Beach's mega-hotels this restaurant feels far away from it all -- like you're dining on a remote Out Island. The cozy cement-sided house stands in a grove of sea grape and palm trees facing the ocean."
While others scrambled to save the beloved restaurant established by musician Leroy 'Duke' Hanna and his wife Joan in 1972, and closed in October, three years after Duke Hanna died and Joan could no longer keep up the demanding pace, Dingman flew into action, bent on finding a solution. He contacted a few friends, including Frank Valdez. Together they wasted no time putting together a plan and making an offer. It was accepted immediately.
"I am very excited to be part of such a magical and historical place in The Bahamas," said Valdez. "Traveller's Rest has sentimental value to me since I used to frequent it with my brother," referring to Lance Valdez, who perished in a tragic helicopter crash in Abaco in November. Frank Valdez says restoring Traveller's Rest is also helping him heal and keeping his brother's memory alive in a lasting and meaningful way.
It has been just over a month since the group's offer was accepted. Since then, 25-30 workmen have been on the job almost non-stop. They have gutted the kitchen, replaced the roof, completely resurrected the infrastructure, including replacing antiquated wiring and plumbing. More than $500,000 has already gone into the renovation and they are not done yet. Architectural elements that can be preserved are being protected or enhanced.
"It's very important to us to keep the original theme. In the kitchen it will be Traveller's Restaurant 2013, not Traveller's Rest 1973, but for the feel of it, it will be as casual as it ever was, the way we all remember it," said Dingman. The original mahogany bar is being brought back to life. An archway window frame is being tenderly restored. A new deck has been added near the waterfront to take better advantage of the outdoor, seafront views and breeze. Another level has been added toward the southern end of property, increasing seating capacity while maintaining an intimate feel. Many of the improvements are in the grounds.
Investors expect a full-time staff complement of at least 25. Between indoor and outdoor areas, the restaurant will seat about 110 and will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Much of the original menu is being retained.
"Our success will be based on how carefully we marry the nostalgia of the past with the best of the present," said Dingman. One change is in store -- a new focus on programming with more art, food and community events and activities. The other change is a slight name adjustment. If everything goes according to today's schedule, the iconic Traveller's Rest will re-open before the end of April as Traveller's Restaurant and the famed banana daiquiri, steamed grouper and a game of Connect Four will be right back on the menu.
Let the Renovations Begin – Work is underway on the famed Traveller’s Restaurant on West Bay Street including completion of a fully thatched roof. The restaurant is due to open in mid-April. (Photo by Roland Rose for DP&A.)
Re-opening of a seaside gem - Jamie Dingman (left) lead partner in the renovations and reopening of landmark Traveller’s Restaurant shares an idea with Sheldon Rolle during renovations of the historic eatery. (Photo by Roland Rose for DP&A.)
