It was four years ago that the beloved, fast-casual Jamaican restaurant Jrk! first opened its Aventura Mall doors — winning over the Miami community with its traditional and authentic Jamaican cuisine packed full of flavor, heart, and soul. Last October 2023, the team expanded with its second location and first standalone space at 95 NW 1st St in the heart of Downtown Miami.
The new 2,518-square-foot space boasts 52 indoor seats, exuding a nostalgic vibrance with a distinctive design. With the interplay of renowned local and Jamaican artwork, ceramic tile, and rustic furniture, the design elements truly celebrate Jamaican culture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that transports you to a bygone era of the island’s rich culture.
Jrk! was born the Jamaican way — out of passion. Peak pandemic, the first Jrk! location opened in 2020 – the brainchild of Chef Wayne Sharpe, Kavan Burke, Annie Cassius, and Harrison Bernstein — two Jamaicans and Miami natives with a passion for hospitality and a goal to restore Caribbean flavor to the city of Miami.
While Jrk! pushes the boundaries with flavor, they hand-pick each item on their menu to radiate wellness and provide health-conscious selections for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. No frills, just down-to-earth good food.
“With an eagerness to bring Caribbean customs to the world, we exploded onto the scene in true island style, with open arms and broad smiles. Our concept is authentic, seasoned with family tradition, and made fresh with local ingredients, honoring classic Caribbean tastes with nourishing Jamaican staples.” said Business Director, Kavan Burke.
The menu will maintain its build-your-own bowl offerings, carefully crafted to reflect Jamaican traditions by sourcing ingredients locally in South Florida or Jamaica. You will find all the bestsellers, including homemade Jamaican Patties, Pineapple Plantains, Chef Wayne’s signature Oxtail, and of course, their famous Jerk Chicken. In addition to serving fast-casual lunch and dinner items, the team is unveiling a new breakfast menu. Look out for Jamaican breakfast patties, Blue Mountain coffee, and fresh pastries, which will be available through their ‘patty window,’ opening at 8am Monday-Friday and 12pm Saturday-Sunday.
The team will also be introducing ‘The Shack’ in their new location, a neighborhood hangout rooted in culture and community. Emerging in true Jamaican fashion, with open arms and broad smiles, The Shack will be a vibrant and dynamic speakeasy tucked away behind the restaurant. As Max Pierre, the passionate general manager for The Shack, exclaims, “We’re excited to bring an eclectic, honest, and relevant concept to Downtown. Brace yourself for an exquisite culinary adventure, expertly crafted cocktails, an ambiance reminiscent of bygone eras, and a soulful musical journey.”
“Food is our foundation, and flavor is our expression. We’re welcoming hosts that never make you feel like a guest. Come for lunch, stay for dinner, leave with extras, however, you decide, we’re excited to welcome you into our community,” said President, Harrison Bernstein.
Jrk! is open from 8am-9pm Monday-Friday and 12pm-9pm Saturday-Sunday.
For more information, please contact Jackie Shames at jackie@shamelesspr.com or visit EatJrk.com and follow @eatjrk.
About Jrk!
Jrk! is the evolution of Jamaican cuisine, where chef-inspired dishes are served within a vibrant fast-casual environment. We transform traditional homemade Jamaican dishes to a health-conscientious selection by using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Heart and soul are institutionalized in our brand, and we want to share that with the world.
Jrk! is designed to fit your fast reality that is your day-to-day, while still allowing you to feel at home, with ethnic flavors that are made accessible and healthy for all to enjoy. We are for everyone and for you. Above all, we understand the need for Caribbean flare, heart and soul in your 30 minute lunch break.
Media Contact
Company Name: Jrk!
Contact Person: Jackie Shames
Email: Send Email
City: MIAMI
State: FLORIDA
Country: United States
Website: EatJrk.com