Boomtown Backyard Restaurant Reopens With New Chef

DOWNIEVILLE — Boomtown Backyard in Downieville reopened for the 2025 summer season on Thursday, July 31. Paired with the laid-back outdoor venue is a new menu featuring smoked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, homemade macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and more.

A new culinary engine pioneers the update: Chef Joshua Donovan. Donovan is a US Army veteran and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Academy, Sacramento, in 2013. He says he has loved Downieville ever since arriving in 2016, working at Sierra Streamside Cabins under Jim Johnston. “My son TJ and I came up here together. He met an amazing local girl, Jojo, and they fell in love and just celebrated their 8-year anniversary (I believe). They, of course, have my unbelievably adorable grandson, Austin, who just turned three. So to be cooking at Boomtown means more than just a job. It means security to keep me in this place that I love and with the people that I love to try and build the life that I want here,” says Donovan.

Donovan added that opening weekend was a great success. “The pulled pork sandwich and brisket pizza were the two winning combinations in my eyes. What a great place to work, a great crew watching over each other...and wonderful townies and tourists to serve delicious food to. I’m excited for next weekend with the bike race! It will be busy and amazing. Come by and get some Smokey treats...or breakfast and lunch sammies...and enjoy this amazing town!”

Boomtown Backyard is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. More information is available at boomtownorbust.com.