By Jeannette Weiss For Hometown News on Jan 27, 2026

PORT ST. LUCIE – When Jose Bonnin talks about tomatoes and “flavors of food,” his eyes literally light up. His excitement is palpable and that excitement has bubbled over to his staff creating a fun atmosphere and a restaurant that is seeing a resurgence of a loyal following.

Bonnin, who purchased Rick’s Diner on Gatlin Boulevard a little more than a year ago, is excited to embark on this new journey of providing traditional food and ingredients while using a variety of seasonings, fresh vegetables and fruit and his own handmade hot sauces to bring out the best of every dish.

But you must first go back to his childhood in Puerto Rico to understand where his passion comes from.

Bonnin has fond memories of being in his grandmother’s kitchen.

“My grandmother is a fantastic cook and she taught me,” he said with a smile. “The very first dish I learned from her was oxtail. That taught me to experiment in the kitchen. Not all my creations were delicious, but I was taught that it’s okay to experiment with food.”

Bonnin came to the U.S. and attended Penn State University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in international politics. “I decided I didn’t want to get into the fray of politics though.”

He went on to earn his MBA.

In 2004, Bonnin decided to go back to Puerto Rico, a decision that would eventually turn his world on its axis.

In 2005, Bonnin was involved in a horrific accident that left him in a coma for a month. When he finally recovered, he decided that was an opportunity to pursue his dream of being in the restaurant business.

Now with his own restaurant, Bonnin is having fun creating traditional dishes that have an enhanced flavor.

“I took the previous owner’s menu and switched things up. For example, the previous Cuban sandwich had turkey and ham; now, it’s a traditional Cuban sandwich with ham and roasted pork.”

He’s especially proud of the sauces he makes.

“I make my own hot sauces and Pico de Gallo, but I also listen to my customers. I had a customer who didn’t think my hot sauce was hot enough for him. I experimented and tried different levels of heat until I finally created the perfect hot sauce for him.”

Bonnin said that he brings his own passion about the flavors of food to his style of cooking.

“I love tomatoes! Tomatoes are my sin. I use them a lot. I make my own tomato sauces, and our fried green tomatoes are delicious.”

He’s also made changes to the atmosphere of Rick’s Diner. He removed a lot of the knick-knacks and has replaced them with large, brightly colored posters of food, especially tomatoes.

While he’s changed the main menu a bit, he keeps a secret menu on the wall.

“These are specials that have done well and that customers ask for. You can only get them if you know about the secret menu. If you know, you know.”

He’s not done though.

“I have a dream to have a deli, either here or in another location, making my own cured meats and other deli items.”

He said he’s in no rush, but it’s there in the back of his mind.

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Rick’s Diner is in the Coco Vista Center, 466 SW Port St Lucie Blvd #101, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953.

Call 772-281-5605 or visit online at www.ricksdinerpsl.com.

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