Is there room in the Bonaire marketplace for a family restaurant that is dedicated to serving local people? With good food local people want, at fair prices and with good service.

I am selling my business and semi-retiring. I have always run a business to provide good jobs and make customers happy. I am proud to say I have never paid a worker minimum wage. I would like to continue that on Bonaire.

In my trips to Bonaire I was impressed with the island and and the people, I wouldn't want to run a tourist trap.

There are a few great restaurants for sale on island. I recommend NOT opening another but buying one in existence and creating your own menu and personal approach. We have TOO many restaurants on BON, IMHO>

Right On....We do neeed a good Ristaffel Rest here. There a litterally a dozen plus places that locals frequent and for a non Bonairean to try to open a new one is economic suicide.

I recommend with an Indian and Indonesian swing...

Ok-- it's been a while since I have been on, but it's time to get back in the swing of things. We've been talking about moving for about 4 years and looks like it finally may happen.

There is a local restaurant that is for sale and we have made an offer on it. I wonder if you guys could give any advise as to what would be the most welcomed types of food. I've read several threads about Indian food, but I'm afraid that is something I can't do.

We've been to most of the restaurants on the island (some of them lot's of times), but it seems like there have been a few restaurants in the past year that haven't done so well. Why did those restaurants fail?

My husband has been an Executive Chef & a General Manager of several types of restaurants but we want to cater to what people want.

Any thoughts?

I have live here for over 20 years and can tell you why (in my opinion) some of the places have failed and others hit home runs...Of course, location, location, location, etc is tantamount to success. E mail me and I will be happy to expand on my comments

What about a mexican restaurant?

We're thinking Mexican.. or at least some Tex Mex. I'm from South Texas (lots of Tex Mex) and it is my favorite food!! I've always craved Mexican when in Bonaire with no relief until I get home. Thanks for the input.

Is Cheddar Cheese easy to get???

Loads of cheddar in Bonaire ~! Comes shredded in big bags at the warehouses.

Yummy - Mexican !!!

Hi Pam,

I would like to echo Annette's suggestion of a Mexican (Tex/Mex) restaurant. I have lived here for 18 years and being an ex-Texan myself (San Antonio)when people ask me what is most that I miss from home...TEX/MEX FOOD...have often thought of the idea of restaurant myself and most recently since the beginning of the IAH/BON CO flight. I know they have limited allowances for freight, but if you could make a contact in Houston prior to coming down that could do your shopping there and then package it and get to CO's freight counter...I really think it would be a hit...not sure of the cost involved though with air freight.

Anyway, having said that...if you do start a TEX/MEX restaurant...I'll be first in line for the opening...;-)!!!

Be sure to feature Mariachi (SP?) music. It is very popular with local people. Make sure you serve large portions and you will not fail.