our story 

Jerkiez was born from a deep love for Jamaican cooking and a desire to keep a family legacy alive. As a child, I spent countless days in Mandeville, Jamaica, at a magical place created by my Uncle Danny—a true culinary artist from Portland, the birthplace of the iconic jerk style of cooking.

Uncle Danny transformed an old bus into a cozy dining area and built a traditional jerk kitchen from stone and pimento wood, replicating the rich, smoky flavors of Portland. People from near and far came to taste the magic, and for me, it was more than just food—it was love, culture, and community.

At one point in my life, I gave up on cooking. I felt like it just wasn’t for me anymore. I had started with the name Yaadies Kitchen while living in the Netherlands. I tried my hand at a few events and received amazing feedback. But I had the wrong people around me, and slowly, they shifted the focus of my dream to something it was never meant to be—just about money. That wasn’t me.

Cooking, for me, is a form of therapy. I’ve gone through so much in life, and the kitchen has always been my safe space. As Jamaicans, we are joyful people who live for good food, family, and laughter. Those values are at the heart of who I am. Family is my drive to live, and food is how I express love.

With time and reflection, I decided to rebrand—and that’s how Jerkiez was born. This time, it’s all about passion, love, and authenticity. I’m more ready than ever to share my dream and my flavors with the world, the way they were always meant to be.

The History of Jerk Style Grilling

Jerk is more than a cooking style—it's a cultural expression born in the hills of Portland, Jamaica. Originally developed by the Maroons using native spices, pimento wood, and slow smoking techniques, jerk has become a symbol of resistance, identity, and innovation. Today, we honor this heritage by blending it with modern flair, creating dishes that are both nostalgic and excitingly new.