B&B WEst is now open
Boots & Bones is now B&B kitchen
Our Story
Our Story
B&B Kitchen — Soul Food in Paradise
At B&B Kitchen, we believe great food does more than satisfy your appetite — it brings people together, creates lasting memories, and makes everyone feel like family. Our story began in 2021, when founders Melvin “Boots” Johnson and Chris “Bones” Jarosz opened Boots & Bones STX with a mission to serve the best barbecue and burgers on St. Croix.
As our journey evolved, so did our passion and purpose. Today, B&B Kitchen has transformed into a true Southern soul food restaurant, bringing the rich flavors, traditions, and hospitality of the South to the beautiful island of St. Croix.
Led by celebrity Chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson, a Food Network Chopped champion who also defeated Bobby Flay, our kitchen celebrates the kind of food that feeds both the body and the soul. From Aunt Ruth’s award-winning fried chicken to comforting Southern classics and homemade trimmings, every dish is prepared with love, tradition, and bold flavors that remind you of Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house.
While our roots began in barbecue, our heart now belongs to soul food. We’ve created a place where locals and visitors alike can gather, share a meal, and experience genuine Southern hospitality with a little island love.
At B&B Kitchen, we’re not just serving food — we’re sharing a piece of our heritage, one plate at a time.
B&B Kitchen — Soul Food in Paradise.
We Cook Like Your Grandma.
Meet Boots
Chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson grew up in his family’s BBQ restaurant and his grandmother Henrietta’s kitchen, where he learned the art of barbeque and creating delicious meals with cajun flavors. Chef Boots has used his homegrown skills, coupled with mentorship from world-renowned culinary experts to create his signature contemporary cajun style. Perfecting his craft and becoming a leader in the culinary world, Boots quickly became known as a gastronomy trendsetter. He was frequently commissioned to write menus and create recipes for some of the top restaurants in San Diego. At the tender age of 30, Chef Boots opened the first speakeasy-style restaurant in San Diego’s Historic Gaslamp District. He later went on to share his talents as an executive Chef in the Las Vegas dining scene. Years later, Boots was extended the opportunity to move to the Big Apple and became the Executive Chef of Queens Bully Barbeque Gastro Pub. While there, his BBQ skills created quite the buzz and grabbed the attention of New York City foodies. In 2018, Chef Boots was invited to compete on the Chopped Grill Master show, where he was awarded the title of Barbeque Grill Master champion. Since then, he’s made several television cooking competition appearances, where he featured his grill skills, sauces, and biscuits. In 2020 Chef Boots launched The Harlem Biscuit Company which quickly grew into a staple in the Harlem New York community. When creating in his kitchen, Chef Boots is inspired by how he grew up, a family around the table enjoying home-cooked meals made from farm fresh ingredients, free from processed, packaged foods. Chef Boots strives to curate a restaurant dining experience that brings back the feelings of home, family, and friendship. He hopes to inspire diners to recreate his meals to share with their loved ones.
For You Bones!!
Boots & Bones is dedicated to Chris “Bones” Jarosz. When Melvin “Boots” Johnson and Chris “Bones” Jarosz met, they bonded instantly over their shared love of great food, bold ink, and family. Together, they created the Boots & Bones concept. Unfortunately, Chris never had the opportunity to see their vision come to fruition. On May 24, 2023, Chris was involved in a fatal car accident which took his life. Chris was an excellent father, chef, restaurateur, community influencer, and best friend to Melvin. His memory will live on in the hearts of many and the spirit of Boots & Bones, home of the best BBQ, burgers, and beer in St. Croix.
Love you Bro!