Couple opens Island Riddim Jerk and BBQ Grill
The weather’s gotten a bit chillier but Round Rock’s gotten tropical.
Jamaican natives Wayne and Dianne Anderson opened Caribbean restaurant Island Riddim Jerk and BBQ Grill on Nov. 22 in the University Commons shopping center. The restaurant has a planned Dec. 20 grand opening.
The pair built their menu around Jamaican signature dishes such as jerk chicken, brown stew snapper and oxtail, with sides such as rice and peas and fried plantains. However, they’ve left open the possibility of adding the flavors of other Caribbean islands in the future.
“Once you say ‘Jamaican,’ you’re saying ‘the Caribbean’ as well,” said Wayne Anderson. “As we mature, we will incorporate other stuff from other parts of the Caribbean.”
They were also sure to be cognizant of their local surroundings. Noting that Texas and Jamaica share barbeque dishes, they’ve included highlights of both into the menu, providing more familiar options for those looking to ease into Caribbean dining.
Anderson noted Caribbean food “is all about how you use your spice,” utilizing ingredients familiar to the islands such as coconut, guava and pineapple with bold spices such as thyme, ginger and Scotch bonnet peppers. Marinades diversify the flavors, drawing on the islands’ diverse cultural backgrounds.
When deciding where to put down roots, the Andersons were drawn by Round Rock’s own cultural diversity.
“Round Rock is very diverse,” said Wayne. “If I’m going to be in a community, I’m going to want to be in a diverse community. I love when people come together. Round Rock is a melting pot.”
The restaurant is the lone Island Riddim eatery: for now, that is. The couple may consider adding a second location in the future.
“It’s one, for now,” smiled Wayne.
Island Riddim Jerk and BBQ Grill is located at 200 University Blvd., Suite 350. It’s open seven days a week, opening at 11 a.m. each day.
Order through DoorDash and Uber Eats or through their website. Follow Island Riddim online on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
