Our Story
From Brooklyn to the Mountains — A Journey of Flavor
The Roots of Rasta Shaq
Rasta Shaq is the story of a first-generation Jamaican, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Cooking has been a part of my life since I was a child — it's in my blood. Growing up in a Jamaican household, the kitchen was the heart of everything. The aromas, the spices, the love that went into every dish — that's where my passion was born.
At 13, I moved to Atlanta, and as a teenager I started cooking professionally. Over the years, I built a deep foundation of culinary knowledge working in high-end golf courses, learning precision, technique, and the art of serving elevated cuisine. Those years of professional experience shaped my craft and gave me the skills to turn authentic Jamaican flavors into something truly special.
But my real culinary education happened across the ocean. I spent summers in Jamaica with my family — fishing off the coast, farming the land, processing animals, and cooking everything fresh over open flames. Those summers taught me what no kitchen could: the soul of Jamaican food comes from the land, the sea, and the fire.
The Colorado Chapter
I moved to Colorado to live the clean mountain life — fresh air, wide open spaces, and a tight-knit community that appreciates good food. It was here that I realized the region was missing something: real, authentic Jamaican jerk chicken. Not the watered-down version, but the real thing — scratch-made jerk paste, slow-cooked over open charcoal, with flavors that transport you straight to the island.
Rasta Shaq was born to fill that void. Currently operating from a pop-up tent, I bring the heat to local events, gatherings, and anywhere people are craving authentic Caribbean flavors. Every pop-up is a chance to connect with the community and share the culinary traditions that have been passed down through my family for generations.
The Food Truck Dream
The next chapter for Rasta Shaq is a full food truck — bringing authentic Jamaican flavors to even more locations, events, and communities throughout the region. Imagine the same charcoal-grilled perfection, the same scratch-made recipes, but with the mobility to serve wherever the vibes take us.
With a food truck, I'll be able to cater more events, attend festivals, and become a fixture at local hotspots. I'm building toward this dream one plate at a time, and with your support, we'll make it a reality.
Stay tuned — the Rasta Shaq food truck is coming soon! 🔥
Authenticity
First-generation Jamaican recipes passed down through family, cooked the real way over charcoal.
Experience
Years of professional culinary experience from high-end kitchens, combined with island traditions.
Community
Sharing the flavors of Jamaica with Colorado's mountain communities, one plate at a time.