So Good, Island Soul
Brand-new look, but we’re still serving the comfort, flavor, and hospitality you fell in love with. Come taste what’s next.
Enjoy great Neighborhood creations at the new B&B Kitchen
Boots & Bones is now B&B kitchen
Our Story
At B&B Kitchen, we believe that great food brings people together — creating moments, memories, and community. Our story began in 2021, when founders Melvin “Boots” Johnson and Chris “Bones” Jarosz set out to serve the best barbecue and burgers in town under the name Boots & Bones STX.
As we’ve grown, so has our vision. We’ve evolved from a smokehouse into a neighborhood restaurant with an island flair, where vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a laid-back St. Croix spirit come together on every plate.
While our roots are in barbecue, our heart is in creating a place where everyone feels at home — whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or a casual cocktail with friends. At B&B Kitchen, we’re reimagining island dining with warmth, flavor, and a touch of Southern soul.
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!