Bonfire Restaurant was inspired by owner Deneka Alexander’s grandmother, who once had a restaurant on the western side of Jamaica. Alexander recalls nightly bonfires on the beach, where tourists and locals alike would enjoy entertainment and delicious food.
“Years later, the memories still live on with her grandchildren,” Alexander says, “so we decided to use her unique recipes and secret ingredients to open what we now know as Bonfire Restaurant.”
The eatery, specializing in Jamaican and Southern cuisine, launched in March 2020 — and soon transitioned to takeout only due to COVID. Another challenge came with Hurricane Zeta, which severely damaged the restaurant’s roof.
“We ended up quitting on the restaurant due to the overwhelming recovery process, or so we thought,” Alexander says. “We had such an amazing response from the community, encouraging us to reopen quickly. They sent emails and social media comments about our delicious menu that lit such a spark in our rebuilding efforts.”
The doors reopened eight months later, and diners came from as far afield as Atlanta, Alabama and Louisiana. Reviewers rave about the music, great atmosphere and friendly staff.
“We are tremendously grateful to the Gulf Coast communities and others who have helped us in the recovery process …,” Alexander says.
MOST POPULAR DISH: jerk chicken, oxtails, brown stew and curry chicken
DELICIOUS NEW ADDITIONS: Bonfire just released its newest jerk plate called BarbiJerk, and vegetarian/vegan customers are urged to try the Jamaican stew peas.
273 Caillavet Street, Biloxi
(228) 271-6830
www.bonfirerestaurant.net
