The former Rita’s Mexican restaurant on Harris is empty no more, festooned with black, gold and green Jamaican flags and filled with the smell of simmering oxtail. Jerk Kitchen, the popular Jamaican stall at the Arcata Farmers Market, has found a home there and plans its official opening Friday.
Husband and wife owners Joanne Kerr and Dell Bryan are serving a limited takeout menu Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with rotating entrees — curry chicken, beef stew, oxtail — and their signature jerk chicken every day, along with traditional sides like plantains and rice and peas.

After signing the lease in February, Kerr and Bryan spent most of shelter in place renovating the interior. But they’re not opening for dining yet. For updates on the menu, check the restaurant’s Instagram @the_jerk_kitchen.
This article appears in Fear to Anger to Rage.


This place sounds awesome. I wish they had named it “Jerk Store”, though.
I’VE BEEN WAAAAAITING! This looks AMAZING! AND I LIVE JUST DOWN THE STREET o/
I live within a stone’s throw from the restaurant, and the barbecue smells heavenly!
Hoping they have some vegetarian/ vegan options!!
I’ve had both their chicken and oxtail. Both were delicious. Their rice and mac and cheese are great too.
Amazing Authentic Jamaican Food. As a Jamaican I can tell you this place is legit. So happy it opened right in time as I just moved here 2 weeks ago and long for the taste of home. This is it