From left: Delbert Mussington and Fitzroy Edwards – owners of the two restaurants.
The good progress in rebuilding Johnno’s.
ANGUILLA–In true Anguillian fashion, many of the island’s well known restaurants and businesses came together to throw a fundraising beach party on Sunday, July 30, at Sandy Ground beach. Held in the exact area where Johnno’s Beach Stop and Dad’s Bar and Grill stood prior to the devastating early morning July 11 fire which completely destroyed both establishments, the event featured a wide variety of food, drink and music by Sproka. For those patrons who frequented these two establishments on a typical Sunday afternoon, the camaraderie and energy felt very familiar – the only things missing were the walls, roofs and flooring.
The owners of Johnno’s and Dad’s restaurants both circulated among the patrons and expressed their immense gratitude for all that everyone has done to support them since the fire. Fitzroy Edwards, owner of Johnno’s said that July 19, 2018, would have been his restaurant’s 34th anniversary. He said, “When I opened Johnno’s there was nothing happening in Sandy Ground. Over the past couple days I’ve come to realise how much of an institution we have become. Everyone misses Johnno’s, and my heart is full to see what these guys here today have done in a couple days to put on this fundraiser – it is just amazing and emotional.” He also expressed his gratitude for the many workers who continue to donate their time to assist with the rebuild, and his pride for his three daughters, triplets, who were hard at work serving customers at the make-shift bar during the event.
The co-owners of Dad’s Bar and Grill, Alexandria LaMaster and Delbert Mussington who opened their restaurant in 2014 said, “Everyone has been so supportive and amazing since July 11. Today is one of those days when you feel the spirit of Anguilla: the people coming together to help one another no matter what – it gives me goosebumps. We are so grateful and honoured, both from everyone on the island as well as our patrons around the world who continue to send uplifting and heartfelt messages.” Alexandria said, “If anyone can lend a hand, please come and see Bubba, also referred to as the Governor of Sandy Ground because he has built almost every restaurant on the Sandy Ground beach.”
Claire Lynch and her husband Patrick, owners and operators of Roy’s Bayside Bar and Grill on Sandy Ground, the driving force behind the fundraiser said, “Every single restaurant on the Sandy Ground beach has come together to help out in one way or the other. But more than that, restaurants all over the island and businesses have donated food and gift certificates.” She added, “This fundraiser was an idea that quickly snowballed and everyone simply just got involved – a lot of people made this happen.”
Both Johnno’s and Dad’s will have their grills and bars open for their loyal customers, as well as live music, throughout the Summer Festival week. They look forward to seeing friends and serving the carnival revellers.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/79119-beach-bbq-fundraiser-to-assist-in-rebuild-of-johnno-s-and-dad-s
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