A Taste of Jamaica in Shelburne with Smokey Island Grille

by Dufferin's SpotlightDecember 15, 2020April 19, 2021

Smokey Island Grille in Shelburne, Ontario

Those in Shelburne now have more diversity when it comes to their eating selection, thanks to the arrival of Smokey Island Grille.

Several weeks ago, to the delight of local residents, Jo-Vaundi Wesley-McCallum and Yuhon McCallum began serving Jamaican dishes from their food truck located in the parking lot of Trainer Games (735 Industrial Road) in Shelburne.

With three locations in the United States, owned by relatives of the couple, this is Smokey Island Grille’s first foray into Canada. When visiting family in New York, Jo-Vaundi says she would work at the restaurant preparing food for customers. She detailed all that is available at these locations for customers to feast upon and how, with time, the people of Shelburne would get to experience this as well.

The initial plan to bring Smokey Island Grille to Shelburne was through a more traditional restaurant format. When the pandemic hit, this began to make less sense to the duo. Citing the safety concerns and costs of operating a bricks-and-mortar establishment that may not be used to its full capacity for an extended period of time, a food truck seemed like the best way to move forward. While waiting for the truck to be outfitted, Jo-Vaundi and Yuhon turned their focus towards helping the community.

Jo-Vaundi Wesley-McCallum and Yuhon McCallum of Smokey Island Grille Shelburne , Ontario — Jo-Vaundi Wesley-McCallum and Yuhon McCallum of Smokey Island Grille

Given that Jo-Vaundi is a Personal Support Worker, the couple have been quite aware of the demands and stresses being placed upon front-line workers, particularly those working in healthcare. As a result, they donated meals to those employed by March of Dimes and the Shelburne Long Term Care Home.

“Since the community is supportive, we try to be supportive as well,” stated Jo-Vaundi. She shared how recipients of their contributions wanted to know how they could get more of the Jamaican dishes, making the couple ever more eager to get their business up and going.

Now that the truck is open, Jo-Vaundi and Yuhon can do something for customers that that their counterparts in the United States cannot, which is bring Jamaica to you.

Smokey Island Grille is able to cater events for small and medium groups such as birthdays, weddings, meetings, and anniversaries. Of course, once the pandemic subsides, larger groups can be accommodated.

“As long as we have an invite, we’re there!” affirmed Jo-Vaundi.

Yuhon and Jo-Vaundi look forward to the summer when Smokey Island Grille will be open for extended hours, offering breakfast options such as porridge and Ackee & Salt Fish, in addition to other seasonal selections that will be available throughout the day.

For the upcoming winter season, Smokey Island Grille is open 11:30 am to 6:00 pm serving delicious recipes such as jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, as well as rice & peas. They even have fried chicken!

“When you see us, you see Jamaica!” proclaimed Jo-Vaundi. “If you don’t want to fly, just come here!”

Smokey Island Grille – Shelburne
Website (Available Soon)
Facebook
Instagram
519-588-4745
Smokey_Island_Grille@yahoo.com
Currently located at: 735 Industrial Rd, Shelburne, ON
Winter Hours: 11:30 am – 6:00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
Summer Hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (Monday – Saturday)

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