Afro-Portuguese inspired fast-casual restaurant and bakery set to open this month on Route 6

A local restaurant with a unique concept has announced that they will be opening soon on the South Coast.

 The Grill Basket Express – Cultured Kitchen & Bakehouse, a new fast-casual restaurant and bakery, will be located at Shaw’s Plaza (5A State Road, Dartmouth).

Their concept brings together Afro-Portuguese inspired flavors, along with global comfort food influences. Their mission is not only to serve fresh, culturally inspired dishes and baked goods, but also to celebrate community, local collaboration, and culinary traditions.

The Grill Basket Express was founded by Dr. Ellie S. Paris, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College and founder of Dr. Ellie Paris Social Bookstore & Ice Cream Café in Brockton. This new venture continues her mission of building businesses that connect food, culture, and community impact.

While the menu is being finalized, the eatery has announced that their head chef will be Dona Agostinha.

Born in Angola to Cape Verdean parents and raised in Portugal, Agostinha brings over 45 years of experience cooking authentic Portuguese cuisine. A former restaurant owner in Lisbon, she is best known for her beloved kitchen O Tacho, where her passion for food and community was always at the heart of everything she created.

Now a New Bedford resident for over 7 years, she has worked in several local kitchens, including the beloved Morna Restaurant.

The Grill Basket Express is expected to open at the end of March.