Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Burnett.
Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got my first restaurant job washing dishes at a restaurant called The Depot in Philadelphia, PA. I’ve been in restaurants ever since. I’ve worked at every level and position in the restaurant business from those humble beginnings as a dishwasher up to Vice president of Operations at Grill Concepts Inc., Responsible for 14 full-service casual fine dining restaurants in eight states.
As I stepped away from the corporate restaurant world my desire to own and operate my own restaurant finally became a reality with the opening of Jammrok Jerk Chicken at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall. Cooking and serving the food and culture that I love.
As we work to perfect the concept the new goal is multiple units and bringing Jamaican cuisine to greater prominence and making it a mainstream dining option. “Come and taste the love.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The restaurant business is never smooth. Everyday presents not only new challenges but the recurring challenges inherent to the business. Long hours, competition at every turn from internal and external challenges and systemic bias endemic to the industry.
As a black man trying to grow beyond the confines of the kitchen, I had to prove over and over that not only did I belong but that I could deliver exceptional results through exceptional effort.
My mantra is and his always been, “No excuses, No exceptions.” Everything is hard, how hard are you going to try.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jammrok is a dream come true and a labor of love. I’ve wanted my own restaurant since the age of 12 and finally after many, failures, false starts, and setbacks it’s a reality. And it was worth every step of the struggle. I’m happy and excited to live out that dream everyday.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I firmly believe that success comes through focused effort over time. Whatever you are trying to achieve, you’ve got to be in it for the long haul and endure. At the end of each day, if you’ve managed to add value and improve outcomes for those around you then you are a success. It’s nice to turn a little profit along the way too.
Pricing:
- Jamaican Style Oxtail Stew $14.95
- Jamaican Patties. Beef, curry chicken, and Veggie $3.25
- Jerk Chicken Combos $7.95-$9.95
- Ital Foods (plant based combos) $9.95-$11.95
- Specialty Jamaican Beverges $2.25-2.75
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: jammrokjerkchicken.com
- Instagram: @jammrokjerkchicken
- Facebook: jammrokjerkchicken
- Twitter: #jammrokjerkchicken
Image Credits
Michael N Burnett
