Connor and Elliot, also known as the Bell Brothers, are excited to bring new and exciting culinary options to Laurel with Bird Dog Cafe. They both chose to come home to Laurel to launch their restaurant and hopefully better the Laurel community. The Bell Brothers value community and have a deep desire to cultivate a place that everyone wants to be. They appreciate the local talent and are giving them an opportunity to grow and learn the craft of working in a fine dining establishment. The Bell Brothers value Farm to Table dishes and source their ingredients locally and are always looking for a way to give back and leave their community better off than they found it.
Elliot and Connor Bell
Store Owners
Two brothers. One passion.
Elliot grew up with an affinity for preparing food: that childhood passion has turned into a career defined by creativity and skill. He was a baker at Fish Out of Water in Watercolor FL, cooked at Trattoria Borago in Grayton Beach FL, opened their sister restaurant Abrazo in FL, Butcher at Wolfgang Steak in Waikiki in Hawaii, and was the Sous chef at the Laurel Country Club.
Connor has a love for people. He's passionate about customer service, crafting a welcoming and rich experience. He has worked at a variety of establishments. Such as Fish Out of Water in Watercolor FL, The Pearl in Rosemary FL, and was the Assistant General Manager at The Hub on 30A.
Together, they've created Bird Dog Cafe, a spot that combines a home-away-from-home atmosphere with fine-tuned, high quality food and service.
We couldn't be more excited for downtown and the Bell family! Seeing them bring these buildings back to life AND the addition of a delicious restaurant is exactly what we've been dreaming of for our downtown area. We love seeing Laurel's young folks take pride in their craft and come back home to make a difference. So proud and thankful for their investment and involvement in Laurel's comeback story. Good luck - I can't wait to sip on a latte on that porch!
It takes good stock to make good soup.
Connor and Elliot Bell come from good stock.
I first met their grandfather, Air Force Colonel Jim Bell, (Ret.) when we served on the Laurel City Council together beginning in 1997, and I found his love for this city to be remarkable.
During its former height, Laurel had some of the finest architecturally designed homes and some of the best restaurants in the state.
Well guess what? They are both making a comeback. You can see it all over town, and one place you can see it is the Bird Dog Cafe, which is a restaurant owned by Connor and Elliot Bell in a beautifully designed historic home on Short 7th Ave.
I experienced their expertise when they were at the Oilman's Restaurants, located in the old Ramada Inn, and I know your taste buds will dance for joy when you partake of their offerings.
One of my daily prayers has been for vacant buildings in Laurel to once again be occupied and vibrant. We now have some world-class craftsmen, who could go anywhere they wanted with their art, but instead chose to come home to Laurel and allow us to enjoy their menu that I am certain will please the palates of all their guests.
Our appreciation and support go out to them.
My first experience with Elliot Bell's deliciousness was when I popped into a Christmas Open House at J Parker in Historic Downtown Laurel.
You know that feeling you get when the food is so good that your mouth waters and your eyes roll back in your head... yes that! This is the case with savory morsels AND the sweet treats! Everything that I have tasted is an Elliot masterpiece!
Add to that... He has a twinkle in his eye and gives the best hugs on Earth!
I adore every single person in the Bell Family! They are top notch human beings and I can't wait to sit and taste all the tasty items that will be offered at Bird Dog Cafe!
I have known the Bell family for many years and grew up their grandparents. I am so excited that Elliot and Conner are opening The Bird Dog Cafe in the historic Stassi home in Laurel. I have had an opportunity to sample their delicious food and I know their new restaurant will be a great success ! I wish them all the success in their new restaurant. Be sure and try it when it opens!
We are located in historic downtown Laurel Mississippi. Walking distance to different shopping experiences and lots of local gems. Downtown Laurel is the place to be. When you're in town, swing on by and see us!
Address
412 Short 7th Ave, Laurel MS 39440
Hours
Monday-Sunday
6:30am-4:00pm