BLOOMFIELD, NJ — If anyone knows the value of a good restaurant to a region’s economy, it’s Parris Jordan.
Jordan, who runs Bacchanal Junction at 558 Arlington Avenue in Bloomfield along with his son, Tristan Jordan, has made his bones in the hospitality industry. As managing director at global consulting firm HVS, he is responsible for overseeing projects in the U.S., Central America, Mexico, and of course, the Caribbean – which is the culinary and cultural heart of Bacchanal Junction. See Related: Father And Son Open Restaurant On Bloomfield, East Orange Border
Jordan has worked on projects that add up to more than $20 billion over his career, including large-scale Caribbean efforts such as Atlantis, The One & Only Ocean Club, Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman and Cap Juluca.
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Pairing this experience with his Caribbean roots, Parris has carved out a reputation as a go-to-guy when it comes to the Caribbean hotel landscape, regularly rubbing elbows with financial leaders, prime ministers, minsters of tourism and presidents of island nations across the region.
Along the way, he’s gotten a firsthand glimpse into how important hotels, resorts, restaurants and other hospitality landmarks can be to a local economy. Stable jobs are just one benefit; others include a source of “recurring economic influence” that improves the lives of residents, governments and other businesses.
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The industry can also be a career-builder for young people, he says. In 2011, Parris helped to launch the Hospitality Education and Training (HEAT) program in Haiti, which included the creation of a school and the graduation of 120 students after a six-month training program.
The chair and founder of the Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference and Operations Summit (CHICOS), Parris holds a master’s degree from the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism at New York University, where he also lectured on lodging development as an adjunct professor. He was the recipient of the 2003 NYU Hotel Investment Conference Patron Scholar Award, and was selected as the 2008 Alumnus of the Year by New York City Technical College.
It’s all experience that he tries to bring to the table at his eatery in Bloomfield, according to the Garden State restaurateur.
The menu at Bacchanal Junction is a fusion of Caribbean culinary traditions with modern flair, showcasing the diverse influences that have shaped the region’s cuisine over centuries. Guests can expect an array of dishes like Shark Bites, Jerk Salmon, and Stewed Kingfish with Creole Sauce. The drink menu features “island-style” libations like the Hibiscus Buccaneer and the Caribbean Kiss Pisco Sour, among other exotic cocktails.
The vision? To “bring a taste of the Caribbean to you.”
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Bacchanal Junction has also leaned into its Caribbean theme with dance and music nights and steel pan musicians. Meanwhile, the restaurant is reaching out to the business community with events like a Black Professionals Summer Mixer and a Business Networking Mixer.
The combination has gotten a big thumbs-up from elected officials in Bloomfield and East Orange, who were on hand for a grand opening celebration earlier this year.
The party continued for Bacchanal Junction at a ribbon cutting ceremony held by the Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce in late July.
Now, with the half-year mark rapidly approaching for Bacchanal Junction, the Jordan family continues to make a name for themselves in Essex County – and earn a place in the hearts of local Caribbean food fans.
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