About us

Name: Lily's Treasure Chest
Address: On The Beach In Front of Amigos Del Mar Diveshop, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, 00000, Belize
Telephone: +501-605-8570

Great Belizean Food for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner!

some History

before our beginnings

Lily’s Treasure Chest, a true island experience serving great Belizean food, beach side breakfast, lunch, and dinner, was all started by Mr. Felipe Paz Sr. or “Tio Pil” as he was known as. Tio Pil, a born Sanpedrano, was recognized by everyone on the island of San Pedro as a hardworking man; a man filled with integrity and dedication. Because of such qualities and being a man who removed obstacles from his path, he earned the respect of everyone on the island.

After traveling to Panama to work stocking steal and furniture for two years and later working in Celotex Corporation in New Orleans, Tio Pil returned to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye where he ventured into new business ideas – operating a freight boat. Although being successful, he experienced several obstacles, but always managed to get through.

As San Pedro started to develop, so did the ideas of Tio Pil. He continued his freight business but also started his next projects; Lily’s Hotel. As the tourism business continue to grow, Tio Pil saw the need for expansion and the addition of a small dining area. That’s how Lily’s Hotel and Restaurant came about, a favorite by visiting tourists.

After Tio Pil ran the restaurant for several years, “Lily’s” was up for lease.

Our Humble Beginnings

over 25 years in the restaurant business

Born and raised in a small mid-western town in Southern Illinois, living in a city full of energy, Chris Barenfanger was ready for a vacation. Accompanied by his buddy, they traveled to Belize in 1983. He made several other trips to San Pedro which he fell in love with during the years before he decided to make San Pedro his home. With no experience in the restaurant business, Chris decided he was ready for a change of pace and took on the challenge.

On May 1st, 1998 he opened the restaurant calling it Lily’s Treasure Chest. He had to struggle through the slow season, but used this time to get acquainted with the business. Things took a positive turn for Chris after the threat of Hurricane Mitch which had some minor damages towards the business. Although being in Venezuela at the time, his very own loyal staff chipped in from their own salaries to restock and reopen the restaurant during his absence.

After several years in the business, Chris decided to venture into other ideas and that’s when Ms. Nelly Brown, one of his Loyal staff continually saw future business potential. Born in San Salvador, Ms. Brown is a woman with such strong and ambitious mentality. She saw potential in the restaurant business and decided to take on the challenge in keeping Lily’s Treasure Chest name afloat. Being a woman of such great virtue and passion for greatness, today Lily’s Treasure Chest, on the beach front has become one of San Pedro’s most popular restaurants.

We humbly invite you to come and enjoy great Belizean food on the beach for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.