Irie Jerk was created as an extension of our love story, Dan and I met during the Covid pandemic. I was born and raised in rural Jamaica. I grew with my grandma always cooking and sharing food with the community around us. Dan grew up in Kailua, Hawaii surfing and soaking up all the fun in the sun.
Coming from different backgrounds we both enjoy a good meal. During the pandemic we were always on quarantine so I started to cook a lot for us and when we both were out of work at the end of the pandemic, we decided to start cooking Jamaican food. Jamaican food was and is still limited on the island. We started in a 200 sq ft space, that lead to pop up tents doing events around the island. We got really good feedback about the food, so we kept going. We expanded into a food truck then into a brick and mortar. Is hasn’t been easy, I think it’s the hardest think we both have ever done.
We continue to invest in and grow Irie jerk, we hope it can one day it can become a worldwide shared experience where people from all over the world can share in good home style cooking infused with flavors of the Caribbean and the Irie vybez so much that they come for the food but stay for the Vybez!
I love Irie Jerk and can’t wait to see it wings spread and soar above ground. I’m grateful that our customers love the food, and it’s a pleasure seeing them come for 2nds, 3rds… I’m nothing without God and mama and so here she is, the Queen of my heart.
The launch and the process of building Irie Jerk has been a brutal struggle that at times has caused me to question whether or not I had it in me to continue in this business. Irie Jerk has always been a love-hate relationship for me. There are days when I question why I am here doing what I am doing. Is it really worth the hours we put in and the sacrifices we make to continue growing and improving the business. All it takes in those moments of doubt when I think I can’t do this anymore is for a customer to come in and tell my how much they love the food and how happy there are to be able to find amazing Jamaican cuisine here on Oahu. The positive feedback I get reinvigorates me and makes me push harder. It makes me realize how lucky I am to be a part of something bigger than myself. I thank God for every day that I have the pleasure of working along side my wife Kadeen. She is an amazing chef and she never ceases to impress me with her creativity, her work ethic, and how much she genuinely cares about people.
One thing you should know about me is that I love Jesus and I depend on Him for everything. I’m from a small city in Georgia with one red light and I got strategically placed by God in Hawaii at Irie Jerk for a reason and purpose. I couldn’t ask for a better job, the owners are basically my Mom and Dad away from home. Lastly, I’m also known for having a masters degree in making smoothies/slushies lol.
One thing you should know about me is that this girl loves her some Jesus. I’m also from Georgia and originally was a customer at Irie Jerk. My husband and I were traveling for work for about 3 years and ended up in Hawaii (all glory to God). Never knew that I would end up calling this place home nor would I have thought to have a job that feels much more like family than anything. We struggle together and we’re gonna reach the top together. Lastly, if you ever come into the store 9 times out of 10, I’m calling you “my friend.” :))