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49 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com In are sure to become permanent staples with people who are looking for fresh, quality food at great prices. As Perette says, "Don't let our appearance fool you. Once you come inside, you will definitely feel that it has a certain aura to it. We have a phenomenal staff and we do it all ourselves. I am a perfectionist when it comes to cleanliness and freshness and service. We are never going to compromise quality. People who know me and my restaurants know that. We will also have a new menu coming out this fall that will feature some of Jenna's items. All I ask is that you give us a shot, and you'll keep us in mind!" Whenever you feel like fresh food, ice cold beer, fantastic ice cream and great service, make sure to check out Johnny Kono's Bar & Grill, located at 269 Park Ave in South Weymouth, and Jenna's Drive In, located at 259 Park Ave. Between the "funky" food choices and family-oriented feeling, with the two locations so close, as Jenna says, "We've got it cornered." April. Open at 8 am daily, Johnny Kono's certainly meets the new 'dive bar' trend standards. With an interior inspired by his Key West ties, which Perette calls "a little bit elevated," you will notice that the bar and dining area are now separate, which creates a fun feel on both sides. As a huge sports fan, it is easy to also note that this is an ideal place to watch a game, especially with football season right around the corner, where Johnny Kono's will feature half-price appetizers. "The focus is on specialty drinks and a funky food menu," says Perette. "Everything is fresh. We definitely specialize in and sell a lot of seafood, but we really do it all. This is one of the strongest crews that I have ever had." Coming from Perette and his extensive and impressive background, that is really saying something. Furthermore, when you create a bar pizza that many people say rivals that of Linwood's, you know that you have come up with something special. "To me, that is a huge compliment," says Perette. "But we make it all here, aside from the cheese and the bread. Everything else is ours. Nothing in here is packaged or pre-bought. I figured, if this is going to be my big finale, then I'm going to do it big and go out on top." The same can certainly be said at Jenna's Drive In, as she also only sells fresh, quality products. Whether it is her amazing ice cream or fresh seafood or famous Fried Chicken (served Thursday through Sunday), Jenna has learned from the best, having the opportunity to work so closely with her father. "It has been really flattering, since we're in our third year now, that each season keeps getting better and better. Everything is homemade, and I think that is really important." If you follow Jenna's Drive In on Facebook and Instagram and check out the specials and the mouthwatering photos of her items, then you will easily become one of her many loyal customers who continue to come back each season… and who also clearly bring quite a few more friends along each time! Perette said that it is "fun and a bit ironic that a father and daughter can work so close to each other, yet not have to compete for customers. Jenna is a great cook and has truly come up through the ranks. We both try to come up with new and exciting menu items. When you look at the menu, you know that all of the items will be fresh. We take what is caught each day and use it on the menu. We will always do anything and everything that comes to mind. We encourage our crew to be creative. Most new menu items come from something else. Just like with the Mahi Mahi tacos. I didn't make these tacos up; I perfected them. I took a great idea and improved upon it. The Key Lime Sriracha is a perfect complement. We season the Mahi and sear it on a flat top. You really can't do it any other way. We just saw a really great product and capitalized on that with a new twist. It definitely helps having a creative kitchen staff and an owner who is right in the kitchen." Both Johnny Kono's and Jenna's Drive In feature amazing menu choices, which have cemented their status as "must-try" South Shore locations. With great hours, more than ample parking and extremely fun menu choices, Johnny Kono's and Jenna's Drive Johnny Kono's Bar & Grill, 269 Park Ave. • 781.335.9623 Jenna's Drive In, 259 Park Ave. • 781.337.0823 South Weymouth