A change in fortunes during the COVID-19 pandemic for entertainer Shadrick Allen led to the start-up of Stardoose Café, a Jamaican-themed food truck on Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril.

The quaint eatery has been in operation since January and menu items include jerk chicken and beef burgers, fish and shrimp burgers, hot dogs, barbecue and jerk chicken wings, jerk and barbecue drumsticks, ackee, callaloo wraps, tacos, sandwiches with sides including pressed plantains, fried breadfruit, sweet potato fries, hash browns and chicken bites.

“It was a rough period during COVID and I was thinking of something to do. I knew I wanted it to be different and this is the idea I got. We started to build it and I knew I wanted it to be made from board, unique and represent Jamaica. We branded it ‘The Taste of Jamaica’ as we use all-natural seasonings, create our own seasoning blends and even for our barbecue sauce we add ginger and cinnamon,” Allen explained.

Being in Negril also influenced the menu options as tourists patronise the eatery, as well. This has in turn led Allen to infuse some international flavour, and has plans for growth.

“We get a mix of customers, so we incorporate wraps, tacos and we also do a traditional Mexican rice with tomatoes, corn and green peas that is served with the drumsticks. The reception has been great and this has given us the prompt to add something different again. We will be adding Coco Riya by Stardoose in the coming weeks. It will be a fruit and juice stand with the use of plants as a major part of the décor. You will be able to get your fruits and blended juices served inside coconuts and pineapples,” Allen added.

The name of the truck is an amalgamation of Allen’s stage name, Starboy Rodriquez, and best friend Derrick Doose, who also assisted in bringing the dream to reality. Allen also has plans to do deliveries in addition to offering kerbside pick-ups.

Text & Photos: Aceion Cunningham