Checkers Cafe

“Family is important – We all work together as a team.” – Gus Cartwright

When Checkers Café started, its owner, Llewellyn “Gus” Cartwright was no stranger to entrepreneurship. His experiences taught him quite a bit about the business environment, what it took to run a successful business, and most importantly, he learned a lot about people. With the technical and hands-on knowledge and skills he acquired, he knew he had more to offer.

In 1988 a seed was planted. Gus wanted to sew something new, something different. The idea to move from a clothing store business to the restaurant business was one he started to give considerable thought to. He surveyed the landscape and determined that there was a need for a restaurant that could cater to working people – one that could provide eat-in and take-out meals and beyond that, provide a comfortable setting for families who wanted a sit-down experience to enjoy high quality Bahamian food. Gus relied extensively on the know-how and experience of his family – his mother in particular. Muriel Cartwright, (his mother and first cook in Checkers Café), had more than thirty (30) years experience in the food business. He had many lengthy discussions with her about the advantages and challenges of a food service business which were sufficient to help him come to a decision. The decision was made in December 1988 to pursue the dream.

The name Checkers came from the popular game that so many Bahamian men at the time, played competitively on the docks. On July 22nd, 1989, the first Checkers location opened its doors on Mackey Street. From the onset, the mission was to become a dominant player in the restaurant industry. During the early years a customer could purchase a five dollar ($5) baked chicken meal from Checkers when the competitors charged eight dollars ($8) or more plus gratuity if it was sit in. Bahamians knew and quickly came to accept, that Checkers offered great food. Within a short time, there was a loyal following of customers who, even today, are still regulars.

“my son’s favorite for Bahamian breakfast“

“… . The sausage and yellow grits at $5.25 plus VAT was disheartening. The breakfast sausage was salty and yet somehow the grits was tasteless at the same time. I …”

“The server gave me ham instead of the steam tuna I ordered, sad thing I don’t even eat pork so my breakfast had to throw away..my bad for not checking it at the counter“