Tucked inside Southside Lounge, Bonnie Rockets is quickly becoming one of Bathurst’s most welcoming and talked-about new food spots. Owned and operated by Laurie Ashford and Jean-Claude Bourdages, the restaurant officially opened on August 1st, and in just a short time, it has grown from a leap of faith into a true community success story. 

Originally from the Hamilton, Ontario area, Laurie and Jean-Claude made the move to Bathurst about three years ago, following family ties that gradually brought them east. What began with their son relocating to the region eventually led to the entire family making New Brunswick home. 

Bonnie Rockets wasn’t born out of years of restaurant experience. Laurie is a nurse by trade, while Jean-Claude works as a mechanic. When health challenges forced Laurie to step away from nursing, the idea of opening a food business emerged through conversations with friends and recognizing a local need. When the space inside Southside Lounge became available the idea quickly became reality.

From day one, Laurie and Jean-Claude committed to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their buns are supplied by CaVa Bakery right here in Bathurst, while Frenette’s in Beresford provides fresh beef, potatoes, and other key items. Their largest supplier, CL Comeau in Caraquet, helps round out the menu offerings. That focus on quality is reflected in every dish that comes out of the kitchen.

Menu-wise, the Smash Burger has quickly become the standout favourite. Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavour, it owes much of its popularity to Bonnie’s Rockets’ signature Rocket Sauce, a closely guarded secret that customers keep coming back for. Their poutines have also earned praise, thanks to a rich, thick, and hearty gravy that sets them apart from the rest.

Operating within Southside Lounge has created a unique and evolving dynamic. During live music nights and larger shows, Bonnie’s Rockets caters directly to the events, feeding packed crowds while still welcoming members of the public who may not be attending the shows. Laurie and Jean-Claude are open about the fact that the model continues to evolve.

Inclusivity remains at the heart of the business. Bonnie Rockets aims to be a space for everyone, particularly families and individuals who may not feel comfortable walking into a traditional bar setting. With options like curbside pickup, call-ahead orders, and DoorDash, accessibility has been a priority from the start. Over time, the goal is to continue shifting the feel toward a true restaurant-bar, where families, music fans, and regulars all feel equally at home.

Starting the business, Laurie and Jean-Claude leaned heavily on community support — and Bathurst delivered. Since opening, the response has exceeded expectations. 

Looking ahead, Bonnie Rockets plans to expand its hours and introduce lunch service in the new year, making the space even more accessible to workers, families, and students. For Laurie and Jean-Claude, the vision remains simple: keep building a place where good food, local connections, and community come together — one plate at a time.