BONGO BEN, A professional drummer from the 1970’s groovy band TRIBE, hung his sticks up in the 70’s. He then started flipp’n burgers for a liv’n. Almost 15 years later, he retired, moved to California and went surf’n.

 

In 1998 Ben heard the “Call of the Islands” and landed in Kona Hawaii to take over a floundering little café known back then as "Durty Jakes". At this time he also met and married Bridget Buntin, a gypsy girl , who unbeknownst to Ben at the time brought along more baggage than the backpack slung over her shoulder. Along with Bridget came a family ... 7 brothers, 3 sisters, Mom, Dad, and enough in-laws and outlaws to fill an entire restaurant…Get the picture??

 

Not long afterwards, however, Bridget’s entire family moved to Mexico. Ben wasn't far behind, sold the cafe, moved to Mexico, and went surf’n.  Only this time instead of his long board, Ben purchased a 42 foot catamaran so he, Bridget and their faithful dog Bruno, could surf the Sea of Cortez together.

 

While in Mexico Ben, Bridget, and all her kin, with Bridget’s Dad leading this"Wolf Pack", worked together in the family owned and operated business "LOBO DEL MAR",

A diving/sunset cruise/entertainment company, now residing in Hilo Hawaii, Check them out @ www.lobodelmar.com.

 

But… true to gypsy form, in late 2006 Bridget’s entire family moved back to Hawaii, and in Sept. 2007 Ben once again hearing the “Call of the Islands”  (or was it the call from his mother-in-law?) sold the boat and returned to Kona, Hawaii, where he and Bridget, with help of Bridget’s entire family, namely Bridget's extremly handsome older brother Brent,

A Master Carpenter, (you can veiw Brents artistic talents throughout the entire restaurant), remodeled, renamed and reopened the restaurant they had sold 4-years earlier, formally known as "Durty Jakes" under the new name of "BONGO BEN'S ISLAND CAFÉ".

 

Once again, this “little” café on Alii Drive is starting to gain ground, and is rapidly becoming the favorite spot to enjoy the best live entertainment and most delicious food on the Big Island. Drop in and check us out, bring the kids.  Better yet, bring the whole family, we did! Come and join us for “GREAT GROOVES & DELICIOUS GRINDS“!