Jerk Flavors Jamaican Cuisine: 'I Wasn't Expecting That Many People'

JOLIET, IL — It's been a year and four months since the Jerk Flavors Jamaican Cuisine sign went up at 1003 West Jefferson St. At 11 a.m. Monday, the authentic Jamaican restaurant opened on Joliet's west side, and people came hungry.

Gary and Simone Hayles even kept their restaurant open an extra half hour, taking orders until 8 p.m. to accommodate the huge turnout.

On Tuesday morning, once again, there were a number of people gathering at Jerk Flavors before it opened at 11 a.m.

Plainfield resident Mike Randle showed up Tuesday morning. He was planning to get the jerk chicken alfredo and "I think I'm going to get some wings. I'm sure the community is going to support it," he said. "She's centrally located. She can pull from all areas. I know a lot of people want some jerk."

Joliet Patch asked Simone Hayles how many customers came through the new takeout restaurant for Monday's soft opening.

"About 200. All day. Oh my God, 11 to 8," she exclaimed. "I wasn't expecting that many people."

At one point during Monday's opening, Jerk Flavors was about an hour behind, the owner said.

That won't happen, moving forward, she said.

"Today, we're not going to be like that. We have it down pat for today," Simone Hayles said shortly before Tuesday's 11 a.m. opening.

"The food is good. A lot of people are happy and excited. Jerk chicken was the main seller, then the jerk rib tips," she said.

She also encouraged customers to order the jerk chicken Alfredo and the oxtails. As far as the sides, she recommends the cabbage, red beans and rice.

"Just be patient with us, we just opened," she said.

On Tuesday, Simone said she had six employees in the kitchen preparing the food. She had three interviews scheduled later in the day with prospective employees. She said she plans to make at least two more hires to accommodate the strong interest in her new restaurant.

Jerk Flavors is right next door to the former Louis' Family Restaurant in the Jefferson Plaza in the 1000 block of West Jefferson St. It's takeout and delivery.

According to its menu, Jerk Flavors is open 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

To place carryout orders, the phone number is 779-206-4693.

This marks the second restaurant in the Chicago area for the family. They continue to operate the Jerk Flavors Restaurant & Lounge on 159th Street in Markham. Gary Hayles also operated a Jamaican restaurant in Matteson for eight years, before selling that to a friend in 2020.