Jerries is Back! A household name returns to Guyana

Jun 08, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News – Jerries, the once-popular restaurant and all night hangout spot founded in the 1990s that closed its doors in 2015, has officially made its return to Guyana. This time, Jerries has reopened in Lethem, Region Nine.

The revival of Jerries marks a story of resilience for its 68-year-old owner, Jerry Bacchus, who overcame numerous challenges during the early days of the business. Bacchus, who once declared he would never return to Guyana after migrating to the United States, ultimately found his way back driven by a deep love for his homeland and a renewed commitment to continue his once-thriving venture.

“I made an oath to myself that I would never come back to Guyana to live nor to work, but Guyana was dear to my heart,” Bacchus said.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

The businessman, whose product became a household name, recalled he was in his early twenties when financial hardship pushed him to start selling pastries on the streets, a venture that would evolve into the iconic Jerries brand.

“I started baking pastries and selling them by the old way of walking and selling in 1981. My aunt who taught me was 84 and I was 24 at the time,” he recalled in an interview with The Waterfalls Magazine. “When I would sell on the road, I had to be cautious, cause if caught by the police, I could have ended up in de lockups or pastries seized and confiscated. People forget those days when wheat flour was a restricted item.”

From those modest beginnings, Bacchus opened his first outlet in New Market Street, Georgetown. As the business moved across several locations due to rental challenges, it expanded from a simple pastry shop to a full-fledged restaurant and bar. Eventually, Jerries became a 24-hour hotspot renowned for its food, music, and vibrant nightlife.

“We started at New Market Street where we used to sell pastries. Then in 1994, I ran a canteen at Bishops [High School] and we became more popular,” Bacchus recalled. “Then we moved to Camp Street in 1996 where we started to do barbeque and beers. But during this time, we saw a decline in sales and I say I had to change the game. I decided to go late nights, and we became a very popular spot for everyone.”

He added, “We stayed [on Camp Street] from 1996 to 2007, while the canteen at The Bishops High School ran from 1994 until 2015. The business expanded when we moved once more, from Camp Street to Waterloo Street, and it became notorious because there was a bar, a snackette, and Jerries ran a hotel. Then we started to open other branches. At a time, we used to have six branches functioning simultaneously from 2013 to 2014.”

CLOSURE

Despite its success, the business faced mounting pressure. A 2015 curfew and repeated police interventions disrupted operations. Legal battles and public scrutiny followed, severely affecting the restaurant’s image and customer base.

“There are several reasons why I ended up closing,” Bacchus explained. “I was summoned to court in July 2013 for loss of business name and noise nuisance.

He [the plaintiff] was seeking $10 million on each count. By January 2014, the case was thrown out. By then I was winded. I was so disgusted and tired of it.  Added to that, with the police coming to close us down, they would come in with guns and customers would get scared and don’t come back. Business started to drop with that, and added competition. The curfew that was imposed in 2015 also killed the nightlife and the business.”

“I could have still been open if I wanted to,” he continued. “But I said to myself, it’s either everything or nothing. And so, I packed everything up and migrated to the US.”

Nevertheless, the businessman said his return was inspired by community and family.

Bacchus said though Jerries was closed, Bacchus never gave up on the dream. For years, he was urged by loyal customers and friends to reopen. With the strong support of his wife Paula, Bacchus returned to Guyana in November 2024, settling in Lethem.

“With the constant customers begging me to come back, my wife and I decided to give Lethem a chance,” Bacchus said.

Together, the couple began rebuilding Jerries into a restaurant called Auntie Enid Restaurant, this time in a new region. Bacchus said he was drawn to Lethem for its potential and safety.

“Lethem has huge potential once that road comes through. Two, my wife is Brazilian and the fact Brazilians come over the border to shop, it is a plus for us. Rents are much cheaper in Lethem than in Georgetown. Next, public safety is very important to me, and we found safety in Lethem,” he noted.

NEW CHALLENGES

Rebuilding the business hasn’t been without its obstacles. Transporting supplies and fresh produce around the Lethem area remain a logistical hurdle.

“Getting greens here is very tough. You always have to make some arrangements to get the greens from around here. Most stuff comes from across the border. It also takes some time to get here,” Bacchus explained.

Nonetheless, after months of preparation, Jerries officially reopened in May 2025. The restaurant currently offers breakfast and lunch, featuring popular menu items like pepperpot, Jerrie’s signature strip chicken burgers, and beef burgers.

Looking forward, Bacchus now hopes to grow Jerries into a nationwide brand once more.

“I would like to franchise the name Jerries, one day to keep the name going and the legacy going,” he said.

Throughout his journey, Bacchus credits his customers and his wife for keeping the dream alive.

“I will always be grateful to my customers who keep encouraging me and supporting me. I hear stories from them about their experiences at Jerries. My wife is my greatest support and sidekick. I couldn’t do this without her.”

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• Bishops’ High School, JerriesRestaurant, Jerry Bacchus, LethemGuyana, Region Nine

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