NEGRIL, Westmoreland — A coffee shop owned and operated by siblings with a dream and brave hearts is the newest business on Norman Manley Boulevard in this resort town famous for its stunning sunsets and laid-back vibe.

The journey to establish Kiki’s Koffee and Kones began more than eight years ago when the founder, Keodi Vidal, moved to Negril in search of employment.

For years she worked diligently at the same company, gaining experience and understanding the hospitality industry inside and out. But deep down there was always a vision waiting to be unearthed, an idea to create a space where great coffee meets genuine connection. In 2024, that vision came to life.

“I had experience as a barista while working in another parish and always loved the idea of starting the day in a welcoming, feel-good space,” Vidal shared with the Jamaica Observer. “It wasn’t just about business; it was about building something meaningful, something my siblings and I could call our own.”

The goal was clear — to offer something unique to Negril with a combination of great taste, creative flair, and an unmatched personal touch.

Opening in March, right at the start of the tourism slow season, posed its challenges. But, instead of discouragement, the siblings engaged in experimentation and innovation. This birthed a unique idea for the business, which turned into the main attraction known as ‘The frozen bears’.

The frozen, coffee-flavoured or drink-flavoured bears are added to cold beverages. As the drink melts in the tropical heat, the bear slowly releases more flavour, keeping each sip rich and satisfying. What began as a fun experiment turned into a signature feature that customers couldn’t get enough of.

“These aren’t just any bears; they’re adorable,” tourist Jessica Biel told the Observer. “Everything here is adorable. I come here every morning for breakfast since I have been here. I tell my friends I found treasure in Negril. They know how much I love good coffee. I stress, good coffee!”

Instead of ice that takes away the flavour of the drink when melted, the frozen bears add a playful image and keep the coffee experience going longer.

“People loved them right away,” Vidal said. “They’d never seen anything like it before.”

Of course, the food and drinks also play a starring role. With a menu full of home-made and thoughtfully crafted desserts, the café offers a culinary experience that’s both comforting and surprising. Their leading meal is a roti wrap filled with your choice of curried chicken, shrimp, or curried channa, served with a mildly spicy mango chutney sauce.

The bread pudding, served with a topping of their signature rum sauce, is a must-have for many customers and the home-made ice cream fits perfectly into their home-made bubble waffle cones.

Beyond clever creations and good coffee, the real magic lies in the shop’s atmosphere. Customers are often surprised to discover that the entire team are siblings.

“We’ve been told so many times that the vibe is what keeps people coming back,” Vidal expressed. “Customer service, for us, is not just about service, it’s about connection, conversation, and making people feel like they’re part of the family. We have many return customers, not just tourists, but the staff who work here in Negril or who are passing through Negril to head to work, they stop almost every morning. We are grateful for the tremendous support.”

That inviting energy is paying off. The café quickly gained traction online with glowing reviews on Tripadvisor, Google Maps, Instagram, and Facebook. Vidal told the Observer that new visitors often arrive saying, “We heard about you from the reviews.”

The café was designed to be a launching pad — a safe and empowering space for the owners’ younger siblings to gain work experience, build employability skills, and create a future together.

“I wanted to give my siblings the kind of start I never had,” Vidal shared. “This is more than just a shop, it’s a dream realised through teamwork, love, and a shared vision.”

The family, originally from central Jamaica, is now proud to call Negril home. Through participation in events like the Wavz Sunset Pop Jam they hope to further connect with the community, exchange ideas with other local entrepreneurs, and continue growing their brand organically.