Shavae Reid-Kennedy continuing her family’s legacy

Shavae Reid-Kennedy was only ten years old when she began helping out in her family’s business, Family Spicy PAN Chicken, in the town of Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland. This local jerk spot was owned by her father, Raymond Reid and his brother, Donavan Reid, and known far and wide for the taste, spices and quality of the chicken.

“Our customers are so loyal,” says Reid-Kennedy, who is a finalist in PAN 2024, hosted by CB Foods. “My father and uncle had a reputation in town as hard workers, always willing to lend a hand and help out in our community. So, when they started their PAN chicken business, everyone in the community came out to support them.” That is the environment Reid-Kennedy grew up in – the smell of chicken on the grill, laughter in the air, and a feeling of being part of something bigger than herself.

As a child, Reid-Kennedy would help out by cleaning and marinating the chicken, until one day her dad let her get behind the grill at home. “As the songwriter sang: look at me! Now, I’m a pro.”

As Reid-Kennedy grew older and assumed a more permanent place behind the grill, the demand for her family’s jerked chicken amplified. “We realised that we’d be under pressure due to the number of customers we were getting every day.” After some discussion, the family decided to expand the business, opening multiple PAN chicken stalls in town.

Then it happened: as more customers were introduced to the Reid’s signature flavour of PAN chicken, the demand ballooned. She knew the business needed to expand and decided to earn the money to make that happen on her own.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Reid-Kennedy entered the PAN chicken competition and emerged as the finalist for Westmoreland. She expressed her gratitude to CB Foods for giving her this opportunity to shine and feels the love and support of her Savanna-la-Mar community propelling her to greatness as she actively chases her dream.

“I am so excited to be a part of the PAN finals. I want to help motivate others by letting them know that whatever they decide to pursue in the world of business, you first have to take risks.”

Reid-Kennedy is gearing up to take PAN 2024 by storm, preparing her signature sauces as she goes toe to toe with 32 fellow finalists.

“When I become the winner of PAN 2024, I will definitely register our business and expand by building a restaurant to facilitate my customers. That way I will have a solid asset for my children and their children and be better able to help others in my community who are unable to provide for themselves.” In short, a true family legacy.