Boogaloo's New Owner Might Expand Menu, Outdoor Seating

For Daniel Powers, the concept of a new year means a whole lot more to him in 2012.

Powers left his job as the Sous Chef at Schlafly Bottleworks, a position he held for five years, to become the new owner of Boogaloo in Maplewood.

He quit on New Year's Eve, then started bright and early Jan. 1 at Boogaloo.

"Caribbean, Cuban and Creole cuisine are my favorite types to cook," said Powers, who is a close family friend of previous owner Mike Johnson. Powers was there when Boogaloo first opened its doors.

That's why Powers doesn't intend to fix what isn't broken. The indoor decor will stay the same, as will the majority of the menu.

"We're keeping all the staples: the cuban sandwich, the paella, the jambalaya, all the manchego cheese," Powers said.

Powers does plan to introduce a few new menu items, but said the additions won't likely happen until spring. He also might add an outdoor tiki bar and additional seating this summer, "to have a place for people to relax and enjoy the evening," he said.

Meanwhile, Powers is dealing with the logistics of being a new business owner trying to run a busy restaurant - and he's moving full steam ahead.

"Maplewood is such a great place to cook and run a business. It's a great community," said Powers, who loved his job at Schlafly and plans to stay in the city for a long time to come.