When tragedy strikes, some survivors recover their lives, but a few actually reinvent it. Such was the case with Penny and Ben Goodloe.

On July 3, 2009, this family of four was enjoying their traditional Fourth of July family vacation at Ocean Isle Beach when a drunken boater suddenly plowed head-on into the Goodloe’s boat. Though a master captain with many years experience, Ben Goodloe could do nothing to avert this disaster.

In the wake of the high speed crash, the couple’s 11-year-old daughter, Katie, suffered a broken back, Penny sustained severe injuries to her head, including broken facial bones, and Ben’s shoulder muscles and ligaments were torn. Thankfully, 17- year-old Josh was not in the boat.

“That is when my life changed,” whispered Penny through tears of mixed sorrow and joy. “We decided that it was more important for the family to be together in whatever we chose to do and that we would not take even one day for granted.”

After the surgeries, the Goodloe’s went to the Bahamas to heal and to reinvent their lives. Penny, a nurse by profession, wanted to create a family business that brought joy and refreshment to others. Ben, who loved his work as a master captain and even dredged up the sand that will soon be used to rebuild New York’s Twin Towers, wanted to be home with his family and to work at something they could all enjoy.

Then, one day, as they soaked up the tropical sun, breathed in the salty air, and relaxed to the predictable rhythm of the powerful waves—an idea hit them.

“We realized that we want our whole life to look like our favorite vacation,” Penny said with excitement. “And, we wanted to share this with our friends and community.”

“That,” said Ben, “is when BOOMR’Z was born.” BOOMR’Z is Kernersville’s newest restaurant and the only Caribbean Getaway in town. “BOOMR’Z is the kind of place where you can take your family or take a client to lunch because the place is laid-back and friendly and the food is great,” said Darren Paul, general manager of Smokin’ Harley- Davidson.

The food is good because the menu was designed by 5-Star Culinary Chef Stephan Winbush. Stephan, now living in Kernersville, is originally from New York and has cooked for celebrities such as President Bill Clinton, Tom Cruise, and Al Pacino.

“We created special label sauces, salsas and dressings with a tropical flair that you can’t get anyplace else,” Stephan explained.

One of those sauces is the Romoulade, better known as BOOMR’Z Zesty Sauce that smothers the crispy crab cakes. It is so well-liked and requested that BOOMR’Z plans to bottle and sell several of their secret sauces.

While the sauces may be a secret, BOOMR’Z as a destination is not. The kids at East Forsyth High School (EFHS), especially the boy’s basketball team, have marked it as a favorite.

Eric Smith, EFHS Power Forward eats at BOOMR’Z with his basketball team after games. But

Eric also goes there with his friends. “The Teriyaki boneless wings taste awesome” Eric exclaimed, “and BOOMR’Z wings are bigger than anyone else’s. I’ve taken my friends there from other schools and they can’t believe it!”

Margaret Ammonds also takes her friends to BOOMR’Z, but she’s not a teenager. Margaret is retired.

“When my friends and I walk into this restaurant,” shared Margaret, “we feel like we are walking into a genuine Jimmy Buffett restaurant, except that it’s right here in Kernersville.”

At BOOMR’Z, when you walk in the front doors, the lemon-yellow sun, and the lime-green palm trees and the sunglassed guy in the bright orange T-shirt are always there to greet you—regardless of the weather on the other side of the door. This huge wall mural is complimented by music, sometimes live, and sometimes recorded, but always beach or relaxing music.

Walking past the solid wood tables and booths—which have hosted staff meetings for local businesses and schools—you can sneak a peek into the kitchen, which is managed by Brandon “Chico” Craddock.

This meticulous master has been in the restaurant business since he was 16 and he’s finally found a place that matches his goals—striving for perfection.

“Everything we serve is fresh and homemade,” Chico said with satisfaction. “Our burgers are 100% Angus, fresh vegetables are brought in daily, and we have a menu that is so diverse that everyone can find something they will enjoy.” Continuing through the restaurant and past the large screen TVs and pool table is the bar, where you can order one of the best Margaritas in town, according to 25-year-old Danielle Fulk. And, where you can meet one of the friendliest bar tenders, Dermont Dillon.

Finally, gazing out the patio door, you can see the future. A giant amphitheater bandstand is due to open in April with a battle of the bands. Smokers and grillers, manned by Ben Goodloe, a master griller, will be spilling out a plethora of ribs, burgers, and dogs as Kernersville’s families enjoy an antique car and bike show.

The Goodloe’s dream has at last become a reality. Katie, now fully recovered and her brother Josh invite you to come join them on their Caribbean vacation in Kernersville at BOOMR’Z.