The Tribune

A group of New Providence-based investors headed by Jamie Dingman plan to re-open the iconic Traveller’s Restaurant by mid-April, having invested to-date $500,000 and employed up to 30 construction workmen on renovations.

“We are incredibly excited about this project,” said Mr Dingman, who is leading the group of private investors in 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.”

Mr Dingman was determined to re-open that chapter. 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.”

Traveller’s Restaurant was created by musician Leroy ‘Duke’ Hanna and his wife Joan in 1972. It closed in October, three years after Duke Hanna died, and when Joan could no longer keep up the demanding pace.

The offer from Mr Dingman and his friends, including Frank Valdez, was accepted quickly.

“I am very excited to be part of such a magical and historical place in the Bahamas,” said Mr Valdez. “Traveller’s Rest has sentimental value to me since I used to frequent it with my brother,”he added, 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 acquisition offer was accepted. Since then, 25-30 workmen have gutted the kitchen, replaced the roof and completely resurrected the infrastructure, including replacing antiquated wiring and plumbing.

More than $500,000 has already gone into the renovation , and 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 Mr 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 persons, 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 Mr 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.

The property will re-open before the end of April as Traveller’s Restaurant.