Lethem, Guyana — After a decade-long absence, Jerries, the beloved restaurant and all-night hangout originally launched in the 1990s, has officially reopened—this time in a new location: Lethem, Region Nine.
The return of Jerries marks a story of resilience and renewal for its founder, 68-year-old Jerry Bacchus. Once a household name in Georgetown’s nightlife scene, Jerries closed its doors in 2015 amid legal battles and shifting social dynamics. But Bacchus, who had vowed never to return to Guyana after migrating to the United States, ultimately came back—driven by nostalgia, loyal supporters, and a deep-rooted love for his homeland.
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“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 shared.
Bacchus’s journey began in the early 1980s, selling pastries on the streets to make ends meet. “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.
In those days, selling food without a license came with risks. “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,” he explained, referencing a time when wheat flour was a restricted item.
From these modest beginnings, Jerries opened its first storefront on New Market Street, Georgetown, later expanding into a full-service restaurant and bar. By 1996, the establishment had moved to Camp Street and shifted its focus to nightlife, introducing late-night barbeques and beer service—a game-changing move that transformed Jerries into a 24-hour hotspot.
“We saw a decline in sales and I said I had to change the game. I decided to go late nights, and we became a very popular spot for everyone,” Bacchus said.
The restaurant’s popularity continued to soar, with Jerries eventually operating six locations simultaneously between 2013 and 2014, including a hotel, snackette, and bar.
Despite its success, Jerries faced increasing scrutiny. In 2013, Bacchus was embroiled in legal battles over the business name and alleged noise nuisance violations. Though the case was dismissed in early 2014, the toll was significant.
“I was so disgusted and tired of it,” he said. “Added to that, with the police coming to close us down—coming in with guns—customers got scared and didn’t come back. The curfew imposed in 2015 also killed the nightlife and the business.”
By the end of that year, Bacchus decided to close the doors and migrate to the U.S., believing it was the end of the road.
Though the business was shuttered, the dream of Jerries never died. Loyal customers and friends urged Bacchus to bring it back. With the steadfast encouragement of his wife, Paula, Bacchus returned to Guyana in November 2024 and settled in Lethem.
“With the constant customers begging me to come back, my wife and I decided to give Lethem a chance,” he said.
The couple began rebuilding under a new name—Auntie Enid Restaurant, an homage to family and tradition. For Bacchus, Lethem offered not only business potential but also peace of mind.
“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 explained.
Reestablishing the business in a new region has brought its own challenges. Chief among them is logistics—especially in sourcing fresh produce.
“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,” he said.
Nonetheless, after months of preparation, Jerries officially reopened in May 2025, now offering breakfast and lunch. The menu features signature items such as pepperpot, strip chicken burgers, and beef burgers—bringing back the taste that made Jerries a favorite.
Bacchus now has his sights set on rebuilding the brand nationwide.
“I would like to franchise the name Jerries one day to keep the name going and the legacy going,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Bacchus expressed deep gratitude for those who never gave up on the dream.
“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.”
