THE business of food was in sharp focus on Thursday as the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards marked its 26th staging at King’s House, celebrating the strength, resilience, and innovation shaping Jamaica’s culinary landscape. Among the honorees was KFC Jamaica, which received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award just days after its 50th anniversary promotion brought traffic to a halt islandwide.

The campaign sparked gridlock, public apologies, and even a light-hearted jab from Prime Minister Andrew Holness, but behind the frenzy is a decades-long legacy. Operated locally by Restaurants of Jamaica, the fast food giant was recognised for its enduring impact on the nation’s food industry.

“I’d just like to, first of all, on behalf of Restaurants of Jamaica, apologise for shutting down the country last week Wednesday,” said Mark Myers, managing director of Restaurants of Jamaica, drawing laughter from the audience.

“Apology not accepted,” Holness quipped in response.

Myers went on to thank loyal customers and the nearly 500 employees who have dedicated over two decades to the brand, acknowledging the company’s legacy as a family run operation now into its third generation.

“We look forward to another 50 years at which time we will again shut down the country,” he added.

Delmare Restaurant at Half Moon was named Restaurant of the Year, recognised for elevating fine dining on the north coast through its refined seafood offerings and luxury resort service. Meanwhile, One Park Restaurant and Lounge took the title of Best New Restaurant, underscoring the rise of modern, multipurpose dining spaces in Kingston’s evolving food scene. In total, 14 businesses and individuals were awarded across categories celebrating culinary innovation, service excellence, and cultural impact. Among them was Sonia’s Homestyle Cooking, led by the beloved Sonia Thomas, which earned double honours for Outstanding Jamaican Food and Outstanding Gastronomy Experience, her fourth time receiving an Observer Food Award.

“From $45 and a sky juice cart I didn’t know that I would reach this far,” shared Thomas in a brief interview with the Jamaica Observer after the ceremony. “I was shocked by the first award, and then I said, ‘Okay,’ and the second one came, and I said, ‘Oh my God.’ All now I’m still sweating,” she said with a laugh.

Thomas shared that she’s thinking of opening another location after 43 years in business, as the Kingston-based eatery is her only location. She also received the Silver Anniversary Restaurateurs Award in both 2023 and 2024, a back-to-back honour that underscores her restaurant’s consistent appeal. Thomas has long been a fixture in local dining, with Table Talk food award nominations dating back to 2008 and 2010 for Best Lunch Spot. Stush in the Bush, known for its farm-to-table philosophy and lush rural dining experience, was once again crowned Best Place for Vegetarian/Plant-Based Cuisine, marking its fourth win in the category, having also taken home the title in 2018, 2023, and 2024, along with the Global Culinary Ambassador Award last year. The repeat recognition highlights the brand’s unwavering commitment to sustainable, plant-based dining and its growing influence in Jamaica’s culinary tourism space.

The AC Hotel Kingston also emerged as a standout, securing the title for Best Bar Experience (Kingston), while its food and beverage team earned recognition for Excellence in Food Service Delivery, a double win that speaks to the hotel’s consistent service quality and growing influence on Kingston’s upscale dining and nightlife scene.

“We are the place for cocktails,” said Rushell Kenlock, food and beverage manager, while speaking with
Sunday Finance. “We have a wonderful team of mixologists, each very talented in their own right. Each person adds something different to the entire offering of the hotel so it’s really everything coming together that makes a wonderful product.”

Uncorked Too, located on Constant Spring Road, took home the award for Best Wine and Food Experience, following its 2023 win for Best Wine & Food Experience at the Sovereign North location. The Chairman’s Award went to Coldfield Manufacturing Ltd, producers of Big Jo, Country Style, and Pure Country brands, a nod to food manufacturing’s continued role in local economic resilience. Honourable mentions included Pink Apron Cafe and Bistro, which earned the New Gastronomy Experience award; and Dana DuQuesnay’s Bird’s Nest Seasoning, which claimed Best New Local Product. Best New Restaurant went to One Park Restaurant & Lounge, while Best Sunday Spot (Kingston) was awarded to the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. Coral Cliff won Best Sunday Spot in Montego Bay; and Mystic Thai, a repeat winner, was named Best Ethnic Restaurant.