Island Grill set to satisfy palates with new Brunswick Village location
Published:Thursday | April 11, 2024 | 12:08 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
With the words, “Yuh a di rice, we a di peas” running across the beautiful structure of the new Island Grill in Spanish Town, you could already tell that specially invited guests were in for a delightful treat beyond the restaurant doors.
Once the official ribbon-cutting ceremony got under way, attendees got familiar with the sleek innovation of the new space before partaking in a gastronomic fanfare of familiar flavour.
To celebrate new beginnings with the launch of the Brunswick Village location, guests got a taste of the restaurant’s staples like jerk chicken and breaded fish fillet, served with signature seasoned fries, fried festival, and fried green plantains. With more than a mouthful to devour, others opted for the Yabba approach, stocked with fricassee chicken, with rice and peas and steamed vegetables.
Known for bringing authentic Jamaican flavours to the masses, Island Grill began its journey as a pipe-dream-turned-tasty-reality for locals and foreigners to savour with its first store, opened back in 1994.
Today, the established brand has close to 20 quick-service branches, serving up good food and good vibes only for jerk lovers.
On the grounds of the New Brunswick Village in Spanish Town, St Catherine, keynote speaker Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, spoke with great pride about this innovative development and the significant contribution it is set to make for its neighbours and wider community.
“In its daily business, Island Grill provides an authentic cultural experience while at the same time stimulating economic development. So I commend Island Grill for this important investment in Spanish Town,” she shared.
Thalia Lyn, one of two founders of Island Grill, shared that her heart had been full since hearing how grateful customers are for the new expansion, “It’s like country come to town, not the other way around. The reception has been incredible. I came the first day the restaurant opened. We didn’t advertise, and the people were coming and coming, telling us thank you for bringing Island Grill to Spanish Town.”
Noting that the eatery once existed in the parish, Lyn revealed that she was grateful for the culinary comeback, with plans to stay for a long time. Additionally, she said she was honoured to be part of the fresh development in the beautiful, newly built plaza.
Speaking highly of its successful collaborative efforts with Island Grill, brand manager of Best Dressed Chicken Arielle Oliver said that she was excited to witness the company’s growth in the food industry.
“We’re one of Island Grill’s main partners, and we’re so happy for them [and the] opening of this location in New Brunswick. The motto of ‘Eat Good. Live Good’ resonates with us because our mantra that we live by is ‘No antibiotics ever’ in our food. We serve healthy chicken so that whenever we collaborate with Island Grill, the company’s customers can rest assured that they are receiving the very best products. So I am wishing them all the best with sales beyond expectation,” Oliver said.
When formalities and casual mingling drew to a close, the restaurant opened its doors to valued customers who either joined the lines inside or ordered from the comfort of their cars, making great use of the drive-through.