Latest news with #Caribbean-inspired
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Popular Caribbean restaurant in Johnstown is moving to the Galleria Mall
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — A popular Caribbean-inspired restaurant is expanding into 'bigger and better' things and will be moving to the Galleria Mall. Island Cuisine announced the move, saying they're 'beyond excited' to open at the mall on 500 Galleria Drive from their location on Broad Street. With them will be their elevated and authentic Caribbean fine dining, an experience they say is like no other. 'This is more than just food. It's a celebration of culture, flavor and community,' they said in a statement. 'From vibrant spices to rich island traditions, we are ready to serve our customers once again, this time with even more heart, more soul and a brand new vision.' Zoning board denies storage facility from opening in Johnstown Galleria The move comes after months of legal battles, fighting for the property they were in on Broad Street, according to the restaurant's Facebook page. 'We're proud to say we're moving on to bigger and better. This next chapter is filled with purpose and passion,' the owner added. 'Proof that when God opens a new door, we walk through it with grace, gratitude and determination.'Despite troubles with the Broad Street location, the owner said that Island Cuisine is still here, still growing, and remains rooted in everything that makes the Caribbean unforgettable. 'Stay tuned. Your island escape is just around the corner,' they added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Loose Women star bags major new role days after ITV's brutal daytime TV cuts
A Loose Women icon recently took to her Instagram page to announce the release of her new podcast, with its first episode released today (Friday 30 May) An iconic Loose Women panellist has landed a brand new job just days after ITV announced its shock changes. The popular daytime programme will air for just 30 weeks each year from January, one of several changes ITV is making to "reinvest across the programme budget in other genres." It reportedly left some Loose Women stars worried for their future, particularly Coleen Nolan, who a source had said was "shocked and blindsided" at the decision. It also emerged some panelists were "in a state of panic and up in arms" about the bombshell changes that were only recently announced – while Nadia Sawalha broke down in tears and said "I could be let go tomorrow" as she discussed the cuts. Amid the panic, panellist Judi Love revealed she landed herself a podcasting gig. On Friday morning, the 44-year-old comedian took to her Instagram to reveal the first episode of Our Table. Fellow Loose Woman panellist Charlene White is joining her for the brand-new show, along with David Gyasi, comedian Michelle de Swarte and actress Deborah Ayorinde. "Our Table will launch on Friday, the 30th, on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!," Judi recently posted on social media. "We have an exciting series lined up, featuring incredible guests and engaging conversations. Join us at Our Table!!" Fans congratulated her on her new venture, as one said: "Well done Judi, an incredible trajectory," and another posted: "Yesssssssss! Congratulations our Judi." Nadia Sawalha added: "Truly overwhelmed at how fabulous this show is..." The guests of the first episode discussed "identity, ambition, and the life experiences that have shaped them" over a Caribbean-inspired meal made by Chef Dom Taylor. "Honest, moving, and often hilarious, this episode sets the tone for a series that's all about real people and real talk," the description explained. Meanwhile, ITV recently stressed Loose Women plays an important part in its daytime schedule, and told the Mirror that wholesale changes to the panel are unlikely. The ITV source said: "We are not planning any radical changes to the panel. All of our Loose Women are hugely valued and we celebrate each and every one and the experience and opinions they bring to the show every day. "Many of our long standing panellists have appeared on the show for the majority of its 25 year run on screens and those stalwart, Loose legends are at the core of the show's success and hugely popular with the audience. The show remains a big priority within our daytime slate, having secured a BAFTA nomination, launched a podcast and celebrated a milestone anniversary in the last year alone." The programme, which first aired in 2000, won a Royal Television Society award earlier this year for its Facing It Together campaign against domestic violence.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Caribbean-Inspired Chain Restaurant That Abruptly Closed Locations In 8 States
Caribbean-themed eatery Bahama Breeze just made it harder for you to indulge in its dishes such as Coconut Shrimp, Seafood Paella, and those boozy island cocktails. The tropical eatery, which is a chain owned by Darden Restaurants (which also owns Olive Garden, Ruth's Chris, and Longhorn Steakhouse), abruptly closed 15 locations -- over a third of its restaurants -- across eight states. It's just another setback for popular restaurant chains that you might have grown up dining at regularly in an age where many Americans are stepping back from casual dining options. The closures came as a shock to many customers, who found out as they walked up to the restaurant ready to eat only to find signs posted on the door. According to a Bahama Breeze spokesperson, the closures are related to those locations' performances, and other busier, top-performing locations remain in operation (hopefully, there's still one near you). The states where those surprising closures took place are Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Michigan. Read more: 15 Failed Restaurant Chains We Actually Miss After the recent closures of the 15 Bahama Breeze restaurants, there are under 30 locations left to dine at. The majority of the chain's existing restaurants are in Florida in cities including Fort Myers, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. In some states, such as Delaware, New Jersey, and Washington, there is only one Bahama Breeze left in existence. Other states where you can still find an open Bahama Breeze include Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where there are two locations. It all began in Orlando, Florida, back in 1996 for the Caribbean-themed restaurant. Since then, the casual chain grew to operate dozens of locations at one point. Bahama Breeze aims to immerse you in a tropical environment with Caribbean-inspired dishes and drinks, beach-themed decor, and even live music. The chain ranked 10 out of 26 with its jerk chicken pasta in our chain restaurant pasta dish ranking in 2023, so things might have gone downhill since then. Read the original article on Tasting Table.
New York Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Bahama Breeze abruptly closes more than one-third of restaurants — including 4 in NJ and sole Long Island location
Bahama Breeze abruptly closed 15 locations, or more than one-third of its chain, this week as a sharp decline in consumer sentiment hammers fast-casual restaurants. The popular Caribbean-inspired dining chain shuttered restaurants across the country, including four in New Jersey and the sole location on Long Island. 3 Bahama Breeze abruptly closed 15 locations, or more than one-third of its portfolio, this week. Christopher Sadowski Advertisement 'We believe this is the right decision because it will allow Bahama Breeze to focus on its highest performing restaurants and strengthen the brand's overall performance,' owner Darden Restaurants told The Post in a statement. Closed locations: Lake Grove, NY Paramus, NJ Toms River, NJ Wayne, NJ Woodbridge, NJ Daytona Beach, FL Gainesville, FL Naples, FL Oakland Park, FL Sunrise, FL Schaumburg, IL Tyngsboro, MA Troy, MI Las Vegas, NV Memphis, TN 3 The popular Caribbean-inspired dining chain shuttered four locations in New Jersey and the sole restaurant on Long Island. Diana Biederman/Naples Daily News / USA TODAY NETWORK Advertisement The company is trying to hire as many impacted employees as possible at nearby Darden-owned restaurants, a spokesperson said. All other staffers will be paid severance, she added. Bahama Breeze has just 29 restaurants remaining after suffering a sales slump last year, down 7.7%, according to data from restaurant research firm Technomic. Several other casual dining chains have turned to restaurant closures to stay afloat as shoppers grow more hesitant. In March, Red Robin announced it's considering plans to close 70 locations after recording a $32.4 million loss from the 'review of underperforming restaurants.' Advertisement 3 Bahama Breeze has just 29 restaurants remaining. Instagram/bahamabreezeislandgrille TGI Fridays closed 12 locations across the US in just one month last October, including three in New York state. The chain also shuttered 35 restaurants across the pond. And in May, embattled seafood chain Red Lobster abruptly sealed the doors at 50 restaurants nationwide, including more than a dozen in New York and New Jersey. Consumer sentiment has only worsened, plunging in April to its second-lowest reading on record as Americans fear the effects of President Trump's trade war, according to a University of Michigan survey. Advertisement The outlook for inflation also grew more dire as year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 7.3% from 6.5% last month. Retail spending slowed in April after customers had rushed to front-load their shopping in March ahead of the tariffs, according to the Commerce Department.
Eater
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Reggae Jerk Hut Co-Owner Marsha Telfer's Guide to DFW Restaurants for a Self-Care Day
Marsha Telfer and her husband, Adrian Telfer, opened Reggae Jerk Hut in summer 2023. The restaurant stemmed from Adrian's vision of a place he wanted to open after he worked as a line cook before he joined the military. When he finished his service, Adrian decided he wanted to get back into hospitality and cooking. The duo took a look around their hometown of McKinney, Texas, and realized it lacked diverse Caribbean food destinations outside of a couple of staple places. Marsha had the idea to blend elements from Haitian and Jamaican cuisines and, in doing so, the couple created the city's first Haitian-Jamaican restaurant. 'Reggae Jerk Hut [brings] both of our cultures together to serve Jamaican and Haitian food, fused together,' she says. At Reggae Jerk Hut, find deep-fried conch fritters served with a creamy dipping sauce; oxtail birria tacos; chicken wings coated with a variety of sauces; rasta pasta, where penne and bell peppers get smothered in a cream sauce with RJH's secret assortment of spices; curried goat or chicken; a griot snack box; and a macaroni and cheese oxtail skillet. 'The first dish someone visiting for the first time should order is the Tour of Jamaica, because it offers a little bit of everything,' Marsha says. 'It has oxtail, curry goat, and you can pick a Haitian rice to go with it.' Marsha spoke to Eater Dallas about some of her favorite places in DFW to eat, from other Caribbean-inspired spots to the places she goes to for self-care. Her sweet tooth informed some of her choices, as well as the networking she has done with other small business owners as they support each other in the industry. Daqs & Oxtails 8700 Preston Road, #127 in Plano This place has only been open for a couple of months, and I want to show them love. They serve Louisiana/soul food fusion. The daiquiris are amazing, and the food is good. It's like stepping into Louisiana without leaving DFW. I've been trying all the daiquiris out. Perle des Antilles Caribbean Restaurant & Market 1522 East Abram Street in Arlington This place has authentic Haitian food; I believe it's the only Haitian restaurant in the DFW area. They also sell Haitian goodies and treats. The standout dish here is the legume, which is a blend of vegetables and meat with cabbage, beef chunks or oxtails, eggplant, and carrots that are cooked down together and served over rice. I found this place because we have a Haitian community, and the business owner reached out to me to ask some questions. We stay connected, and we all have to help one another. Hutchins BBQ 1301 North Tennessee Street in McKinney I go here a lot because it's so close to me. I'm there two or three times a week. I love the brisket — I get the lean cut. I love the cream of corn, it has me in a chokehold. The flavors here are great. When I go to other barbecue spots, it can be hit or miss, but Hutchins is consistent every time I go. Kitchen & Kocktails 1933 Elm Street in Dallas I love soul food, and I like how [owner] Kevin Kelly does it with a twist. It's mixed, like the jerk lamb chops, which I love. Also, the fried lobster with shrimp and grits. My favorite drink there is the peach d'usse frosé. I like to go here for date nights with my husband, and I've been for brunch with my girlfriends. It's a good place to meet up with people who visit Dallas, especially if they're staying Downtown. Cocktail Creamery 205 East Virginia Street in McKinney This is a place in Downtown McKinney that sells boozy ice creams and sorbets. I like the rum and raisin. They soak the raisins in rum for a while. It's a typical ice cream place where you can get cones or cups. I always get a cup, because if I eat that waffle cone, it might soak up the liquor, and I want to feel the booziness in my ice cream. Terilli's Restaurant 2815 Greenville Avenue in Dallas I'm into places with live music or bands. Terrilli's has a piano man on the weekends, which is when I usually go. I like to take myself on a solo date to eat and listen to music. I also enjoy the martinis there and the shrimp alfredo. Miriam Cocina Latina 2015 Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Dallas This place is woman-owned, which I like. [Owner Miriam Jimenez] doesn't mind coming out to talk to people. It makes me feel like I'm not just a customer, but a guest. She always has a smile on her face and is very personable. I want to support other woman-owned businesses. The empanadas and bolitas de yuca — crispy yuca fritters stuffed with mozzarella cheese and served with spicy ranch dressing — are really good. I also like the carne asada. Cookie Society 5100 Belt Line Road, Suite 830 in Dallas My kids like to come here for a treat. They always have seasonal specials, and the owners are super sweet. The cookies here are so good: The chocolate chip and banana pudding cookies are special favorites. There are also excellent lemon bars, and the brownies are the best. We'll stop by on the weekends with the kids, and sometimes I'll bring a box home. The kids like to try the new flavors for the season. I think the other day we had a pound cake cookie. They also love it when we get some ice cream to go with the brownies. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Sign up for our newsletter.
