A Canaveral Groves food truck has opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Cocoa, expanding its Cajun menu to include burgers, wings, and kid-friendly options. Backwoods Social House, located at 4365 Grissom Parkway, took over the former Jabbers space this week. The restaurant is owned by Sheena and Sean Rocque, who launched their food truck Reel Cajun Cookin’ in 2020. They partnered with Gary Granger to bring their vision to life. 'This was always our dream,' Sheena Rocque said. 'We been eyeing Jabbers since 2020.'
The restaurant will serve the bold, Southern-inspired dishes that made the food truck popular, along with new items like burgers, pastas, and family-friendly options. The menu also includes wings, tenders, and kid-friendly meals. The owners plan to host live music, trivia nights, bingo, cornhole tournaments, and outdoor gatherings. For now, the restaurant is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may change after a trial period.
The Rocques previously hosted food truck rallies in Canaveral Groves, bringing together 8 to 10 food trucks. The new restaurant allows them to expand beyond food. 'We wanted to create a place where people can gather,' Sean Rocque said. The restaurant’s name, Backwoods Social House, reflects the owners’ goal of building a community space. The menu includes traditional Cajun fare like gumbo and jambalaya, alongside new items like smoked brisket and mac and cheese.
The restaurant is part of a growing trend of food truck operators in Brevard County opening permanent locations. Other local food trucks have followed similar paths, including the popular Brevard BBQ Co. and the Sweet Potato Express. Backwoods Social House is the latest example of how food truck owners are adapting to meet demand. The restaurant’s opening comes as Brevard County continues to see a surge in new dining options. The Rocques plan to keep the menu and events flexible, adjusting based on customer feedback.