In 2016, Shane Griffiths opened Taste of Jamaica in Ellsworth, Maine, a small city near Bar Harbor with a population of around 8,000. Having lived in the area for a decade, Griffiths, originally from Jamaica, sought to provide local residents with the flavors of his homeland as there were very few ethnic dining options available.
Starting with popular dishes like jerk chicken and expanding to offerings like curry goat, Griffiths found a receptive audience, helping to spark interest in Jamaican cuisine across the state. His efforts have inspired the opening of more than a dozen Jamaican restaurants and Caribbean markets in Maine, creating a vibrant culinary scene. New establishments like Strait Jamaican and Kool Runnins have emerged, catering to both Jamaican residents and locals eager to explore new flavors.
Approximately 2,000 Jamaicans live year-round in Maine, with many seasonal workers arriving on work visas, significantly boosting the demand for authentic Jamaican food. These restaurants not only provide meals but also a sense of community, allowing residents like Kady Scott to feel at home while enjoying traditional dishes. Owners like ShannaKay WrightWilliams of Yardie Ting aim to educate locals about Jamaican culture through food, revitalizing community connections that had waned over time.