ROBYN Fox, the dynamic force behind EITS Café, Mount Edge Guest House and Food Basket Farm in Newcastle, Blue Mountains, is launching a new venture that promises to celebrate Jamaican culture, foster community spirit, and uplift women restaurateurs. Her latest initiative, ‘Restaurant Round Robin’, reimagines a cherished Jamaican tradition, bringing together some of the island’s most beloved woman-led restaurants in a unique dining experience.

“Round robin has been a Jamaican cultural tradition over the years, always hosted at bars,” Fox explains. “Restaurant round robin includes this tradition; the only difference is it’s being staged at restaurants.”

Drawing on the familiar elements of music, games, and drinks, restaurant round robin adds a primary focus on food, creating an experience that unites people through their love for cuisine and culture.

“It brings together restaurants that share a similar passion for supporting each other and uniting people for food, drinks, games, and good vibes,” she adds.

Fostering unity and support

As a restaurateur, farmer, and community advocate, Fox sees restaurant round robin as a powerful tool for fostering unity within the local food scene.

“I hope this style can become a tradition and there can be a future of round robins being hosted in bars as well as restaurants,” she said.

The initiative encourages participating restaurants to close on their fellow participants’ event days, creating a sense of solidarity and mutual support.

“This concept gives people in food and beverage an opportunity to come together and give each other strength,” she added.

A unique collaborative

What sets restaurant round robin apart from other dining events is its deep-rooted connection to Jamaican culture and community.

“Restaurant round robin will include the main features of the round robin — music, games, and drinks — with the food element now being the primary focus as it’s being staged at restaurants,” Fox explained.

At EITS Café, where the experience will début, the focus on food is complemented by the vibrant elements of music and community engagement.

Fox highlighted the community-driven aspect of the event, noting that the traditional “partner draw” will be donated as a “give back” to the nearby community.

“We are community-driven through our employees and resources, and it is always important to provide support to neighbours,” she emphasised.

Showcasing woman-led restaurants

The participating restaurants, hand-picked by Fox, are some of her favourites, each with its unique charm.

“These restaurants all share similar themes throughout, including the fact that they are primarily operated by women, food gastronomy, food fusion, local, Brand Jamaica, fresh, traditional, and destination dining,” she said.

This first round of participants includes Kamila’s Kitchen, Miss T’s at Murphy Hill, Stush in the Bush, and Cynthia’s on Winnifred’s Beach, all renowned for their commitment to excellence and community.

Engaging the community

Fox is determined to ensure that the local community feels deeply involved in the restaurant round robin experience. “Most staff are from the nearby community,” she explained.

While the dining experience is the primary focus, the round robin aspect of the bar and games will be open to all, welcoming people to support the bar and share the good vibes. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can partake in the festivities, even if they aren’t dining.

Hopes for the future

Looking ahead, Fox has high hopes for the impact of restaurant round robin on both the participating restaurants and the broader Jamaican community.

“I hope that restaurant round robin becomes an additional feature to this round robin tradition,” she said. She envisions other restaurants across the island adopting this tradition, maintaining its core guidelines and fostering a culture of unity and support.

Fox also expressed her gratitude towards the participating restaurants for their unity and support.

“I appreciate their unity and support and wish for them successful business, further exposure, and connection,” she said. She is particularly thankful to those who have embraced this new concept and approach, playing a crucial role in its launch.

As restaurant round robin prepares to début on August 17 at EITS Café, it promises to be more than just a dining event. It is a celebration of Jamaican culture, a testament to the strength of the community, and a tribute to the incredible women leading the island’s culinary scene. Through this initiative, Fox is not only preserving a cherished tradition but also paving the way for a future where unity, support, and mutual respect are at the heart of Jamaica’s food culture.