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Three friends band together to offer Jamaican cuisine in Barrie

To thank those who have supported them during pandemic, every Wednesday the restaurant gives a free meal to a random customer
2020-07-03 Irie Jerk
Kat Cousins, manager of The Irie Jerk in Barrie, holds a jerk chicken meal. The restaurant opened just as the COVID-19 pandemic reached Canada. Shane MacDonald, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Three friends had just embarked on their lifelong dream of opening a Jamaican restaurant together when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. 

The Irie Jerk Restaurant, located at 222 Mapleview Dr. W., opened its doors Feb. 22.

A few weeks later, they were forced to close because of COVID-19. 

“It was very scary, really tough, and very worrisome,” said Cynthia Hellesoe, volunteer senior manager. “Everything was so uncertain at that time.”

However, when the restaurant opened up to offer takeout and delivery, the customers and compliments poured in. 

Hellesoe said there are plans for a patio to offer customers a sit-down experience. 

“The food is delicious,” Hellesoe said. 

The menu prices range from $11 to $18, and include items such as jerk chicken, curried goat, oxtail and beef patties. The dinners come with  rice and peas and steamed vegetables. 

To thank those who have supported them, every Wednesday the restaurant gives a free meal to a random customer. 

Hellesoe said people are happy to have a place to try Jamaican cuisine in Barrie. 

“A lot of them have travelled to the islands, the Caribbean, and Jamaica in particular, and are looking for that authentic Jamaican cuisine,” she said. 

For more information, visit theiriejerk.ca.

THE IRIE JERK

MENU
Jamaican cuisine 

HOURS
Tuesday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (subject to change)
Sunday & Monday: Closed

PHONE:
705-915-1500

Shane MacDonald, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Barrie Advance


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About the Author: Shane MacDonald

Shane MacDonald is a Local Journalism Reporter hosted by Simcoe.com
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