IF you’re looking for proof that grit, faith, and purpose can transform a life, look no further than Bruce Lancelot, owner of Deja Vu Bar-Lounge in Pembroke Hall, Kingston. Today he’s known as the Deja Vu Boss but the road to becoming a respected entrepreneur in his community began with little more than a broom in hand and a dream in his heart.

Lancelot grew up in Kingston and began his high school journey at Kingston College before transferring to Dinthill Technical. It was there, he says, that he found his stride. Dinthill taught him discipline and independence, lessons that still guide him today. He was also an altar server in the church as a boy and has remained grounded in his faith ever since. That spiritual foundation would become a steadying force during the toughest chapters of his life.

His career didn’t follow a straight line, but every twist added to his toolkit. Lancelot worked in accounting, did a stint at Home Electrics, passed through Life of Jamaica (now Sagicor), explored graphic design, and even worked at the cement company. Each job offered new skills and a broader perspective.

Eventually, he found himself at Bejon’s Sports Bar on Molynes Road, starting at the very bottom as a janitor. But he paid attention, learned fast, and began taking on more responsibilities. When the manager moved on, he stepped into the role. This was where Lancelot discovered his passion for entertainment and hospitality, even producing music videos at the venue for rising dancehall artistes, including Vybz Kartel.

But when his second child was born Lancelot realised he needed a change. Long nights and unpredictable hours no longer aligned with the life he wanted to build for his family. He stepped away, choosing stability and presence over the fast-paced nightlife.

That decision planted the seed for Deja Vu — a space of his own, close to home and consistent. But it came with a leap of faith. When he opened the bar in 2014 he had no money in his account. What he did have was a friend who trusted him enough to offer $32,000 through a partner savings plan. That money secured a small space with bare walls, but Lancelot saw beyond what it was. He envisioned what it could be.

He named it Deja Vu because he wanted the space to feel familiar, not in the nostalgic sense but as a place where people could relive shared stories. “I wanted the space to be somewhere people could relive their experiences, and that became my tagline and the meaning behind the name,” he shared.

Deja Vu quickly became a corner of Kingston where talk of Champs, legendary footballers, Schools’ Challenge Quiz, and cricket echoed across tables. Whether you’d lived those stories or not, you could feel them come alive.

At age 50 Lancelot made another bold move. He went back to school, enrolling in culinary training through HEART/NSTA Trust at Boulevard Baptist Church. He stepped into a classroom filled with younger students and never let self-doubt take root.

Now certified as a chef de partie, Lancelot has elevated Deja Vu’s offerings well beyond drinks. The kitchen serves up jerked chicken, barbecued pigtails, steamed fish, and a true Jamaican favourite – stew peas, turning the bar into a destination for food as much as vibes.

“Going back to school at my age was challenging,” he admitted. “But I’m young at heart. I fit in very well, and I viewed it as a new horizon to explore.” And you believe him when you see him in action – energised, focused, still pushing forward.

Over the years Deja Vu has hosted politicians, media executives, and brand leaders. But one of Lancelot’s proudest moments came when Usain Bolt himself walked through the doors. The visit was part of Red Stripe’s Claim Yuh Crown summer campaign, a domino tournament during which Bolt made surprise stops to engage fans.

Deja Vu was one of just three chosen venues. For Lancelot, it was surreal. “It was a once in a lifetime experience, something I could never have paid for.”

But Lancelot’s relationship with Red Stripe goes beyond promotions. He deeply believes in what the brand represents: Jamaican pride, community, and culture. “I saw early on that Red Stripe wasn’t just about selling beers. They were trying to build spaces that reflect the people,” he said.

It’s a partnership rooted in mutual respect and in shared values of authenticity and ambition.

Lancelot is far from done. Looking ahead, he dreams of travelling the country to mentor young bartenders and aspiring bar owners. He wants to teach them not just the mechanics of the business, but the spirit behind it, the purpose, the patience, the perseverance.

“One thing I’ve learnt is that when the opportunity comes, you have to take it,” he said. “This is the work I’ve put in over the years, and it paid off.”

And with every cold drink poured, every story shared, and every meal served, Bruce Lancelot is proving that success is about the heart you bring to the climb.