Boardwalk BBQ: A Special Caymanian Dining Experience

By Stuart Wilson

As the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is home to some of the world’s most sought-after dining, and among the many treasures to discover are hidden gems that capture the essence of island life, while delivering the highest quality in epicurean delights.

In that regard, Boardwalk BBQ, along the water’s edge in South Sound stands out as an extraordinary offering for residents and visitors alike; the quintessential Caymanian dining experience that effortlessly blends local traditions with first-world comfort.

The Caymanian Times sat down with the owner of Boardwalk BBQ, Leon Gould, who told us about the restaurant’s success story and how the idea came about.

“We have been here since August last year and it has been going well so far,” he remarked, explaining that one of the reasons he was inspired to implement this particular style of cuisine is because BBQ is his favorite dish.

“I always wanted to do a BBQ. I just wasn’t 100 percent sure where I wanted to do it, but how I ended up at this spot was that the land actually belongs to a good friend of mine, Mr Ladner Watler,” noted Mr. Gould.

He added that as a young boy growing up in the Cayman Islands, he and Mr. Watler’s son were very good friends, and the elder Watler would usually take the boys to the beach spot and do a BBQ for them there.

“He would do BBQs and hang out with us, and we would have little picnics. He would also light campfires and tell ghost stories and things like that on the weekends so that stuck with me,” the young Caymanian entrepreneur explained.

Mr Gould said he and his wife would often visit the spot before the business became a reality, and they would bring chairs and sit down to take in the amazing view of the ocean, accompanied by soft fresh breezes along the coast.

“I would bring a cooler, bring a ski out sometimes and ride the ski around, and just  hang out way into the evening. I always said, ‘I want to put a BarBq here one day’, he explained, adding that initially there were skeptics, some of whom were his friends.

“They used to tell me that those South Sound people will never support you.”

He said he decided to push forward in any event based on the premise that people would actually love the spot - which has come to fruition.

“So said, so done,” enthused Mr Gould, who pointed out that the majority of the people who frequent the Boardwalk BarBQ were residents of the South Sound area.

Tourists also visit the location, and Mr Gould pointed out that the business is on TripAdvisor, as well as Google Maps, so persons visiting the islands have access to the information through regularly frequented channels in addition to marketing strategies undertaken by the business.

“We have a big social media following and it’s growing,” he added.

Boardwalk BarBq has captured the essence of Island life and the feeling of naturally good vibes.

In fact, it is even possible to see waverunner races, kite surfing, and other activities taking place under the cool of the canopy along the shoreline.

“We didn’t want to make it over-the-top. We wanted to bring Cayman back to where we started and what made us Cayman in the beginning and what made us appealing. This is what people came here to see. They didn’t come here to see big fancy hotels and high-end restaurants. They came for this experience: authentic, rustic, beach vibes and atmosphere where you get to meet locals and experience local cuisine,” he remarked.

The menu at the Boardwalk BarbQ includes smoked island bbq chicken, Caribbean glazed spare ribs, the Boardwalk classic beach burger, chicken wings, and conch fritters made from scratch. Plus, the business recently introduced fried fish and fritters on Sundays.

“We are right here in Town in South Sound and when you come it’s not usually too crowded here. You can sit down and relax, and the kids can splash around in the water,” he said.

“We want it to be more than food…(we want) people to leave here refreshed,” said Mr. Gold.

The Boardwalk BBQ is open from Thursday to Sunday:12pm to 5pm on Thursday and Friday, and 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The goal is to eventually open for 7 days per week.