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One common remark made about the dining options in Bainbridge is a desire for a wider variety of food. The Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon on a new restaurant last. Friday, one that certainly brings some diversity to local dining. Located at 1127 E Shotwell Street, Ritho Caribbean Spot Eatery & Culture Hub offers, as the name suggests, a variety of Caribbean cuisine.

Co-owned and operated by Jeffrey Tucker and Ritho Jean Louis, the duo first met in Homestead, Florida. At the time, Tucker stated he was co-producer of a play, while Ritho was training Haitian agricultural workers, with Homestead being one of their work destinations.

This is not Ritho’s first venture into the restaurant business, however, as he already operated his first, dubbed Caribbean Spot-1, in the Haitian community of Petit-Goâve; the Bainbridge location has now been dubbed “C-Spot 2”.

Homestead is not the only location some of those Haitian workers end up; according to Tucker, some also come to work in Bainbridge, which led the duo to setting up shop on Shotwell. Things are still a work in progress, as menu items are being added and the bar is being stocked in phases. The restaurant also features a stage for live music.

When asked about the community reception, Tucker responded, “I’m surprised by the community’s immediate acceptance and enthusiastic endorsement of menu items, evening hours, 7 day-week schedule, social activities we are gradually announcing, and our commitment to nonprofit programs.”

Ritho Caribbean is located at 1127 E Shotwell Street, between Arkham Games & Comics and Southern Tire & Battery Co.