Tributes to ’40 years of great memories’ as Lone Star to close at current site

Lone Star Bar and Grill has announced that it will close its doors at its West Bay Road site after four decades of serving patrons.

“After 40 years of great memories, it’s time to say goodbye to Lone Star at our current location. But don’t worry – this isn’t the end,” a post by the bar’s owners on Facebook on 7 Nov. read.

Federico Vallarino of the Market Street Group, which took ownership of the business ten years ago, confirmed to the Cayman Compass, that the lease “isn’t getting renewed” and the popular watering hole would close its doors on 1 Dec.

“We’re incredibly sad,” he said. “I myself have been on the island since 2003 so I have lots of memories, lots of friends that have worked there; my very good friend, he passed away this year, and that’s where he met his wife.”

“It’s a bit emotional for me but I’m very excited for what’s to come.”

Lone Star has long been an island mainstay; a popular spot for watching big games and for taking part in trivia nights, as well as a family-friendly eatery loved by residents and tourists alike.

Lone Star, which opened its doors in 1985, has seen a number of changes over its 40-year journey.

The sprawling spot, a stone’s throw from Seven Mile Beach, was first owned by Mike Flowers and his wife, Bobbi.

The walls of the restaurant are an unofficial museum, containing a collection of sports memorabilia, T-shirts, licence plates, photos and posters of celebrities, familiar faces, special moments and celebrations.

“It’s always been a come-as-you-are place. People come after a fancy dinner, they come from the beach, have their first beer, cheer on their team… it’s always been a great place to feel comfortable in,” Vallarino said.

He added, “Always great staff, really good customers, and a lot of fun to be had.”

Fond memories

Since the announcement of the impending closure, many have taken to social media to express their sadness, but also to share fond memories of the place.

Lauren McCarthy commented, “Sad to see this, but happy to see where the new Lone Star will go. My dad started Lone Star those 40 years ago. My childhood summers were spent eating cheese sticks, drinking virgin strawberry daiquiris and making ice cream sundaes in the ditch while he worked.

“He started the t-shirts and license plate on the walls and ceilings, and the original Lone Star logo was his handwriting. He would bring cases and cases of Lone Star beer on the KX flight from Houston,” she said, reminiscing about ‘Fajita Rita Night’.

“He loved this place and the people and would be proud to see where its new home will be. I’ll be excited to continue to watch this journey progress,” McCarthy said.

American Jason Gillmore recalled spending every Thanksgiving dinner at Lone Star from ages 10 to 25, vowing “At 49 years old, I’ll be back for one last Fajita ‘Rita Thanksgiving before you up stakes… can’t wait.”

Another former customer, Phil Whiteside, commented, “First holiday in Cayman 1997 stayed in beach suites, now Watercolours! Loved the place with pinball and great food not really around in UK. Then lived on island for 6 years but left during COVID. Our son, wife and kids were regulars, as were we over that time – sad, another reason not to return as the island ‘develops’.”

Lisa McMearty Westog, another regular, said, “So many memories and thank goodness the walls can’t talk. Remember the night the bar first opened with the shot board on the wall. Next, they started serving food, best fajitas and margaritas… pretty soon came highchairs and ice cream. As Mike’s life evolved, so did the business. Many a fun night in my single days and then with my family. Always our go to when on the island.”

A significant change to the venue, Vallarino recalled, was the addition of the outside bar. “Before it used to just be the inside bar, so that, to me, was the biggest change.”

As for the future of the establishment, owners confirmed they will be moving to a new location next year “bigger and better than ever,” according to the Facebook post.

Vallarino said the location is not finalised as yet, but he’s “very confident we can announce something in the early months of next year, hopefully”.

He added, “We hope to be in a good location for it. We hope it doesn’t hurt us, but we operate lots of bars and restaurants on island. We know a small change can really benefit your business.”

No job losses

Employees at Lone Star have been placed in jobs within the wider company, Vallarino confirmed.

“We’re very fortunate that we have other restaurants that we can absorb all the staff into. As of today, everyone is going to keep employment with our company. We’re very fortunate, we know that’s not the case with other businesses so we’re very lucky that that conversation didn’t have to be had.”

Vallarino said plans are being made before the official closure. The bar is part of Cool Out festival 2024 as one of the festival’s live showcases.

Vallarino said he’s ready for “the next chapter of Lone Star”.

Until then, he said, patrons are encouraged to stop by for “one last drink, and let’s toast to the good times. Stay tuned for more updates and farewell announcements. To new beginnings.”