Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The team at Jam Rock Kravinz is bringing authentic Jamaican cuisine and culture to Jackson Street in Barnwell.
“Jamaican cuisine is more than just a meal,” said owner Staceyann Palmer. “It is an experience filled with history, community, and passion.”
Dishes like jerk chicken, brown stewed oxtail, and curried chickpeas & mushrooms allow Barnwell residents to have a “taste of Jamaica right here in our local community,” Palmer said.
All dishes are made with spices and seasonings traditionally used on the Caribbean island. According to Palmer, the use of these ingredients speaks to this history of Caribbean ancestors who innovatively preserved herbs and spices.
“The essence of signature dishes is ‘jerk.’ This is a way to grill the meat (chicken, pork, fish) that has been marinated in a special blend of seasonings,” said Palmer.
Palmer brings passion not only into her cooking, but in creating a space where the community can gather, listen to music, and eat good food.
She was inspired to bring a bit of her culture here to Barnwell to promote diversity in local cuisine, while also inspiring others to learn more about Jamaica.
“Barnwell County enables and invites diversity through food as there are restaurants from different cultures in the area,” said Palmer. “There are some experiences that we can share and this can be done through delicious food at Jam Rock Kravinz.”
One of the main economic drivers in Jamaica is tourism. Palmer finds many residents who have visited the island want to again “engage in the culture through food.”
Fostering conversation about the Jamaican culture “allows us to appreciate something different and to reminisce on prior experiences we might have had,” she said, and Jam Rock Kravinz hopes to serve as a space for it.
Before the restaurant held their official grand opening and ribbon cutting on September 9, they had a series of soft openings for the community to check out the space and food.
The building is decorated with deep greens and yellows symbolic of the Jamaican flag while giving the restaurant a welcoming and calm atmosphere – something done intentionally by Palmer and her team.
“At times our local schools might want a venue to host events for staff. Now, they have a space that they can reserve for luncheons, celebrations, and meetings. Friends can feel free to come together for birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. At Jam Rock Kravinz we invite families and friends to unwind after work or play,” Palmer said.
Paired with a welcoming atmosphere is a welcoming staff made of family and community members.
The restaurant is a member of the Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber of Commerce and Palmer is a graduate of the Propel Business Lab, a 12-week business accelerator program developed by the chamber in partnership with USC Salkehatchie’s Leadership Institute.
Palmer said the team at the chamber was “instrumental in helping me with many of the steps needed for opening Jam Rock Kravinz…As they helped me they were professional, resourceful, and encouraging at all times.”
“I am so proud of all of y’all. This has been so incredible to see this journey, to see the redevelopment of this space from what it was to what it is now,” said Bob Snead, president of the chamber.
Not only is this restaurant bringing a new dining experience to the City of Barnwell, they are also part of the growing number of women-owned businesses in the region. Supported by the chamber, women-owned businesses are on the rise all across the Lowcountry.
“Come on in, Jam Rock Kravins is open, and we are ready to serve you,” said Palmer.
Jam Rock Kravinz is located at 674 Jackson Street in Barnwell. Hours are Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Call the restaurant at (803) 868-7798 or email jamrockkravinz@gmail.com. Visit their website at https://jamrockkravinz.com/.
