By Ella Ogburn, Staff Writer
Your favorite local restaurants are closing. Say goodbye to Lucky 12 Tavern. Give a fond farewell to Mama Kwans. Bid adieu to Goombays. And prepare to part with Bonzer Shack.
But fear not, four new spirited restaurants have taken their places the month of December as part of the “Christmas Island” promotion cooked up by the owners.Lucky 12 Tavern reopened as Jingle 12, Mama Kwans as Mama Klaus’s, Goombays as Goombrrrs, and Bonzer Shack as The Broken Candy Cane. Starting Dec. 1, these local restaurants were ringing in holiday cheer as themed eateries with menu specials and festive decor.
Lucky 12 Tavern owner Mark Ballog started the Jingle 12 tradition four years ago. After reaching out and discussing the idea with his friends at the other restaurants, they decided to band together to start up the Christmas Island.
Some might think this partnership would bring out unfriendly rivals, but it is actually the opposite: “The more the merrier,” Ballog told the North Beach Sun.
Ballog fills Jingle 12 with festive fun, from classic decorations like Santa blow molds to antique ceramics. Each establishment will be taking on creative themes inspired by holiday motifs.
“We’ve got a joint calendar where we’re going to have special events throughout the whole month,” Bonzer Shack owner John Kirchmier said.
Goombrrrs will be transformed into a modern-day winter wonderland. The Caribbean restaurant is planning on a 180-degree flip, trading its bright and funky colors for cool winter tones.
“Opposed to focusing on the traditional red and green of Christmas, we are focusing more on silver, gold, white and ice blue,” Goombays co-owner Karen Hennigan said.
The Broken Candy Cane, formerly known as Bonzer Shack, is taking on Christmas villains for its theme, with the Grinch as the main contributor. To go along with the Grinch, inspiration sparked from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will appear, as will Bumble the Abominable Snowman from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The Heat Miser, Snow Miser and Burgermeister Meisterburger will also make an appearance.
“I thought doing the Christmas villains would be a little different,” Kirchmier said.
Hawaiian Christmas is taking over Mama Kwan’s. With a great amount of lights, Christmas cheer with a tiki twist will be taking over in the form of Mama Klaus’. Owner Kevin Cherry aims to entertain.
“There’ll be a lot of family style food along with some of the regular Mama Kwans items,” Cherry said.
At Mama Klaus’ Holiday Tiki Hut, family recipes are ready to order, whether that’s cheese balls, sausage balls or Chex Mix. Festive family drinks also will be made with holiday cheer.
Curated menus are no stranger to The Broken Candy Cane. Whoville treats and Who desserts are on the villains’ lair menu. A special menu is an extra touch to add to the Christmas spirit that everyone will be able to feel, regardless of their age.
“I believe the kids will absolutely love coming in here,” Kirchmier said.
Speaking of menus, Goombrrrs will be honoring the Caribbean Christmas theme with specialty drinks and appetizers.
“We’re going to have specials that reflect traditional Caribbean Christmas dishes,” Hennigan said.
For Ballog at Jingle 12, it’s the total package of food, drinks and decor. Plastic Santas and too many other vintage decorations to count fill the restaurant and its fun backyard spaces all month long. People especially love making reservations to dine in the snow globes in the backyard area.
The Christmas Island has the goal of celebrating and spreading the joy of Christmas. Each restaurant, with its unique approaches, plans to give everyone an enjoyable experience.
“I’m excited to spread Christmas cheer and to hopefully inspire local people and visitors alike to join in the Christmas spirit and gather in places where they can enjoy good food and good company and celebrate the spirit of Christmas,” Hennigan said.
Sophomore Ella Ogburn can be reached at [email protected].
