Past experiences helped dad on journey to opening latest Black-owned Caribbean restaurant in NJ with son

Get to know Parris and Tristan Jordan, the father and son duo behind Bacchanal Junction, the newest black-owned Caribbean restaurant in Bloomfield, New Jersey. With a passion for Caribbean culture and experience in the hospitality industry, the Jordans aim to introduce a vibrant dining experience to Bloomfield and East Orange.

Since the restaurant spans the border of Bloomfield and East Orange, its grand opening celebration last month was attended by mayors and town council members from both townships.

“The menu reflects a fusion of Caribbean culinary traditions with modern flair, showcasing the diverse influences that have shaped the region’s cuisine over centuries,” the father-son duo said. “Guests can expect an array of mouthwatering dishes like Shark Bites, Jerk Salmon, and Stewed Kingfish with Creole Sauce. Island-style drinks like the Hibiscus Buccaneer and the Caribbean Kiss Pisco Sour are among the many exotic cocktails guests can anticipate.”

Prior to starting Bacchanal Junction, Parris worked in consulting and hotel development. He has led projects worth over $20 billion. Some of his projects include renowned Caribbean destinations like Atlantis and The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, according to Patch.com.

Tristan, on the other hand, has a degree in Hotel & Tourism Management from New York University and hands-on experience in asset management. His passion for the hospitality industry drew him closer to his father’s vision of starting a Caribbean restaurant.

“At Bacchanal Junction, we’re on a mission to celebrate the rich tapestry of Caribbean flavors and culture,” Parris said. “From savory jerk chicken to succulent seafood dishes, every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and passion.”

Black-owned restaurants have been examples of the success stories of African Americans over the years while providing hope for upcoming entrepreneurs. In 2020, there were approximately 375,000 Black-owned restaurants in the U.S., according to the National Restaurant Association. This figure represented 8 percent of all restaurants in the country.

In that same year, Black-owned restaurants generated $25 billion in sales. Indeed, 2020 saw an increase in the interest of Black-owned restaurants amid protests against police violence and racial injustice following the death of George Floyd.

Still, Black-owned restaurants face many challenges, including access to capital and competition. Parris and Tristan Thompson hope to succeed in New Jersey thanks to their wealth of experience.