Coming Soon: Buccaneer Bay BBQ to Open on Terrill Road

Wondering what that mast is atop the former Dairy Maid location on Terrill Road? 

Well it's just the top of Buccaneer Bay BBQ, a new pirate-themed barbecue and frozen treat spot set to open in the spring. 

Behind the venture is Fanwood resident Jerome Pereira, who remembers standing with his kids in long lines outside the building when it was the Dairy Maid. 

"Originally, Joe Grillo used to sell his famous Italian ice here and people would come from all over New Jersey for it," says Pereira. "Then Mark Seinfield, Jerry Seinfield’s uncle, took over and again there were long lines. We hope they continue when we start. We have big shoes to fill." 

To keep folks coming for sweet treats, Pereira will offer both Italian ice and ice cream, and even has Seinfield helping him to keep the quality consistent. Both types of frozen treats will be homemade and with "the finest ingredients," says Pereira. 

But before dessert, there will be barbecue. Lots of barbecue. Pereira has hired a professional pit master and has a smoker on site to create authentic dishes like ribs and brisket, plus sides like cornbread and mac-and-cheese.

Why barbecue?

"Everybody asked me to do barbecue because there is a shortage of others in area," says Pereira. "Plus, I know a lot of barbecue on my own, too, since I've been eating it my whole life."

Pereira hopes to create a casual, family friendly space and says the restaurant will be a BYO. Outside the barn has been updated and turned into a ship, mast and all – no wonder since Pereira was formerly an international ship captain. 

Inside, the space has been gutted and outfitted with TV-screen menus, tables for dining in, bright colors and lots of fun pirate-themed decor. Also, on the walls are photos of legendary Plainfield residents (technically, the restaurant is on the Plainfield side of Terrill Road) Milt Campbell, a 1956 decathlon gold-medalist, and Joe Black, the first black pitcher to win a World Series game in 1952.

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, open for lunch and dinner. Buccaneer Bay will also offer catering and takeout and is in the process of getting approved for a drive-through window. 

Pereira hopes to open in the spring. Check back for news on the opening.