Jrk! Brings Jamaican Cuisine To Miami

Photo: Executive Chef Wayne Sharpe @eatjrk | Photo Credit @eatjrk/Instagram

If you're anything like me, you know the excitement of discovering a new Caribbean restaurant—especially one that’s both conveniently located to recommend to friends and family.

For lovers of Jamaican cuisine, Jrk! is about to become your new obsession in Miami. This fast-casual Jamaican restaurant opened its doors in two prime locations, Aventura Mall and one in Downtown Miami.

“Jrk! is an evolutionary Jamaican eatery that takes an elevated approach to fast-casual dining, combining authentic Jamaican traditions with a steadfast commitment to healthy dining options,” as per Aventura Mall.

Story Behind JFK!

“Kevan Burke had seen the success of fast-casual businesses in nearly every cuisine, from the Mexican bowls of Chipotle to the layered salads of Sweetgreen. He couldn’t help but notice a significant void in the market — one that was deeply personal to him. Growing up in Jamaica, Burke developed a passion for helping his mother cook the island’s classic dishes.

When a friend approached Burke with the idea to start a Jamaican restaurant, he said, “The only way I would do this concept is if Wayne would be a part of it.” Wayne Sharpe, a long-time friend of Burke, had made a name for himself in the Atlanta dining scene. The Native Jamaican chef had founded and led Escovitchez in Atlanta, a premier fine-dining Jamaican restaurant,” according to an article from Aventura Mall.

Jrk! Founders

“Jrk! was born the Jamaican way… out of passion. A Jamaican and Miami native bonded over an affinity for culinary flare and inability to find fast, healthy, and authentic Jamaican food. So, we took matters into our own hands. We launched Jrk! with the intent of building upon the techniques, flavors, and influences that defined our childhoods in an honest, health-conscious, and sustainable (not to mention delicious) fashion.

With an eagerness to bring Caribbean customs to the world, Jrk! exploded onto the scene in true island style (with open arms and broad smiles). Packed with authenticity, seasoned with family tradition, and made fresh with local ingredients, our menu honors classic Caribbean tastes with healthy Jamaican staples. Grounded in community, each dish we serve is made with love, soul, and a pinch of nostalgia,” as per Jrk!

Signature Bowls or Build Your Own

At Jrk!, you have the option to select from a selection of signature bowls, or you can build a custom bowl that offers an option to combine a variety of the island’s most popular dishes.

Signature bowls options: The Jerk BBQ Bowl which includes Rice and Peas, Jerk Chicken, Pineapple Plantains, Cabbage Slaw and Pineapple Mango Salsa. The Mountain Curry Blue Bowl includes Jerk Fried Rice, Curry Chicken, Pineapple Plantains, Pineapple Mango Salsa and Cabbage Slaw. The Jerk BBQ Bowl includes Rice and Peas, Jerk BBQ, Crispy Yuca Sticks, Jerk Corn and Stir-Fried Cabbage. The Jerk Shrimp Bowl includes Rice and Peas, Jerk Shrimp, Pineapple Mango Salsa, Pineapple Plantains and Stir-Fried Cabbage. The Oxtail Bowl includes Rice and Peas, Oxtail, Jerk Corn, Stir-Fried Cabbage and Cabbage Slaw.

Vegan and Plant-Based Options

The Vegan Jerk Bowl includes Jerk Quinoa, Vegan Jerk, Pineapple Plantains, Crispy Yuca Sticks and Pineapple Mango Salsa. There are vegan patties and other tasty plant-based sides to choose from.

PON DI SIDE

The side dishes can make you feel like you’re in the islands with traditional options including: Jamaican Patties, Crispy Cassava Yuca Sticks, Chili Roasted Broccoli, Jerk Mac and Cheese, Coco Bread and 305 Rum Cake (Chocolate or Pineapple).

Beverages

Stick to the Caribbean theme by enjoying refreshing beverages such as Ting, Ginger Beer, Red Stripe, Stella Rosa, DG Ginger Beer, DG Champagne Kola, and DG Pineapple Kola.

The Vibe

At Jrk!, you’ll enjoy island vibes with curated Jamaican music, making your visit more than just a meal but a true cultural experience.

Jrk! offers popular Jamaican dishes that are both healthy and authentic, embodying the founders focus on fresh, local ingredients and family recipes that celebrate classic Caribbean flavors.