A new Jamaican fast-casual restaurant is set to open. Jrk! will debut a location at Dadeland Mall. The opening is planned for Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This expansion marks a significant step for the brand. It is adding to its presence in South Florida. The mall is one of Miami’s popular shopping destinations.
Jrk!’s Flavorful Journey
Jrk! offers a modern approach to Jamaican cuisine. The brand started in 2020. It was born from a passion for authentic island flavors. Co-founders Kavan Burke and Chef Wayne Sharpe wanted to fill a market void. They saw a need for fast, healthy, and authentic Jamaican food. The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients. It also honors family recipes. This creates a unique culinary experience. Jrk! aims to be accessible and fun. The brand blends traditional Jamaican tastes. It combines them with a contemporary format. Reggae music often plays in the background. This enhances the island vibe.
Chef Wayne Sharpe leads the culinary vision. He is a native Jamaican. Sharpe has over two decades of experience. His passion for cooking began young. He helped prepare family meals in Jamaica. He honed his skills at a hospitality school. Sharpe also worked in fine dining. He co-founded Escovitchez in Atlanta. That restaurant gained acclaim for its authentic flavors. Sharpe later returned to Miami. He then co-founded Jrk! in 2020. His background blends traditional Jamaican tastes with elevated cuisine. He ensures the food is both authentic and modern.
A Customizable Island Experience
Jrk!’s menu centers on “Bold Bowls.” Customers can build their own meals. They choose a base. Popular bases include jerk fried rice, mixed greens, or rice and peas. Next, guests select a protein. Options feature Jerk BBQ Chicken, Oxtail, Classic Jerk Chicken, and Jerk Shrimp. There is also a Vegan Jerk option. The menu also offers curry chicken and curry chickpeas. Many dishes are made fresh daily. The classic jerk chicken takes about three hours to prepare.
Toppings and sauces add extra flavor. These include crispy yuca sticks and pineapple plantains. Sauces like Rude Boy or Island Vinaigrette are available. The restaurant also serves Jamaican patties. Beef and jerk chicken patties are popular. A vegan patty option is also offered. Side dishes include jerk chicken mac and cheese. Chili roasted broccoli and coco bread are other choices. The brand emphasizes quality ingredients. It aims to be health-conscious.
Expanding to Dadeland Mall
The Dadeland Mall location is strategic. Kavan Burke, a co-founder, stated it has been on their vision board. He described Dadeland Mall as a community-driven mall. He expressed excitement about becoming part of daily life there. This opening represents Jrk!’s growth. It follows success at other South Florida locations. These include Aventura Mall and Downtown Miami. Jrk! also has a concession at Kaseya Center. The new store places Jrk! within a busy shopping hub. This makes it a convenient spot for shoppers. It serves lunch, snacks, or meals.
Jrk! aims to strengthen its foothold in Miami’s dining scene. The brand targets high-traffic locations. It remains grounded in culture and quality. Dadeland Mall itself is a major retail destination. It has undergone various updates. The mall attracts many shoppers and families. Jrk!’s expansion into this area broadens its reach.
The Growing Miami Food Scene
Miami’s culinary landscape is diverse. Jamaican cuisine is a significant part of this tapestry. Several Jamaican restaurants exist in Miami. These range from upscale to casual. Jrk! stands out as a fast-casual contender. The brand reimagines Jamaican food for a modern audience. It caters to those seeking quick, healthy, and authentic meals. The opening at Dadeland Mall highlights this trend. It brings trending Jamaican flavors to a new market. This move also contributes to the growing fast-casual restaurant sector in Miami. Jrk! is recognized for its innovation. It received a 2025 StarChefs Rising Stars Award. This award celebrates leadership and community impact. Jrk!’s expansion signifies its success. It reflects the increasing popularity of Caribbean flavors.
Conclusion
Jrk!’s arrival at Dadeland Mall is a major news item. It signifies the brand’s continued growth. The restaurant offers a fresh take on Jamaican food. Chef Wayne Sharpe’s expertise drives its flavor. The customizable bowls provide a unique dining experience. Dadeland Mall offers a prime location. This expansion meets demand in South Florida. Jrk! is set to become a popular spot. It will contribute to Miami’s vibrant food scene. The February 17, 2026 opening is highly anticipated.
