In the middle of uncertainty, opportunity knocked.
During the height of COVID, owners Lloyd and Max – co-owners of Casa 43 Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, which was nearing its sixth year of operation at the time – alongside partners Fearghal and Zulu, were presented with the chance to take over a remarkable restaurant space on West Bay Road in the heart of Seven Mile Beach. Casa 43 had already established itself as a respected name in the Cayman Islands dining scene, and the team had proven they knew how to build something lasting.
This new opportunity, however, was very different. It was a bold move at a time when most were pulling back – but bold decisions often define great stories.
At the time, Chef Lloyd was operating a private dining and catering business. When in-restaurant dining came to a halt, he pivoted. Instead of waiting, he leaned into a lifelong dream: a true barbecue concept that could thrive through takeaway platters and delivery trays. Barbecue was practical, comforting, and communal—even when we couldn’t gather communally.
For Lloyd, this wasn’t just strategy. It was personal. Raised in the far north of California, he proudly calls himself a “California redneck”—growing up around cattle farms, hunting, gathering, and cooking over open flame. Barbecue wasn’t a trend; it was part of his DNA. COVID simply accelerated the timeline.
What began as a delivery-driven barbecue concept quickly evolved. By December 2020, in the thick of the pandemic, the doors opened to a full brick-and-mortar smokehouse. It was a scary moment for all of the owners – but conviction outweighed fear.
From day one, the menu reflected the personalities behind it. While rooted in American barbecue traditions, you’ll find subtle global influences inspired by the ownership team—South African touches from Max, Irish character from Fearghal, and Austrian precision from Zulu. The result was something that didn’t feel copied. It felt original.
In 2021, the concept evolved again. Televisions were added. The bar area transformed. Banquettes gave way to high-tops, and the space developed into two complementary experiences:
- Lloyd’s Smokehouse Sports Bar
- Lloyd’s Smokehouse & Grill
The restaurant became more than a place to eat—it became a place to gather. A bespoke sports bar anchored by serious barbecue, a robust bourbon selection, smoky Old Fashioneds, smoked margaritas, and a cocktail program built with intention.
As COVID restrictions eased in 2022, it became clear that something lasting had been built. By 2024, Lloyd’s had established itself as a go-to destination for residents and visitors alike—a place known for great food, great sport, and a welcoming atmosphere right in the heart of Seven Mile Beach.
Now, in 2026, the restaurant has grown into a small institution in the culinary landscape of Grand Cayman. On any given day, you’ll find guests gathering for NFL football, NHL hockey, rugby, cricket, European football, or any sporting event imaginable. There’s a saying here:
“If you want to watch a sport, we’ll find it for you.”
Most importantly, Lloyd’s remains what it set out to be—a place where everyone belongs. A table where four generations can sit together and all leave satisfied. A smokehouse built on resilience, personality, and a little bit of fire.
And we’re just getting started.
