Jerk Shop Go reopening downtown in new, larger location

Despite opening in March 2020, right before the pandemic devastated the restaurant industry, Jerk Shop Go has already expanded once and now additional growth is in the works.

Kadejia Berkley opened the Caribbean restaurant downtown at 213 S. Fifth St. in March of last year, and quickly shifted the focus to take-out once indoor dining was prohibited during the state’s stay-at-home order. Less than a year later, she opened a second location at White Oaks Mall, noting that many west side residents hadn’t heard of Jerk Shop Go.

The downtown location closed this week, but only to allow time for operations to move a few doors down to 219 S. Fifth St., the former Tacology 101 location. “It was an opportunity that just came across to us,” said Berkley, noting that the new space will be at least twice the size. “It will give us a bigger kitchen space for our staff to work, plus a bigger dining area for customers to be more comfortable.”

Berkley said that with so many events happening downtown now, ranging from social gatherings to business meetings, “we’re seeing a lot more customers.” While take-out will still be an option, she also wanted to have additional seating available.

The former Tacology 101 space has been vacant since last winter when James Hamilton relocated his restaurant to a strip center on West Iles Ave., naming the new location Tacology 201.

“We’re pretty excited,” said Berkley, who plans to be open for business in the new location on Monday, Oct. 18.

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