Reggae Flames founders grow food business from J$50,000 start-up

Narine and Labib Asan, the husband-and-wife team behind Reggae Flames, say their food business is the result of years of planning, sacrifice and a shared love for cooking.

The venture has been operating for about two and a half years, but the couple said the ambition behind it goes back much further. Mrs Asan said the business reflects both their passion and her husband’s long-standing interest in preparing Lebanese, Chinese and Jamaican dishes.

Reggae Flames began with escovitch and roast breadfruit, the first meal they sold. The strong customer response, they said, encouraged them to keep building the brand.

The menu has since widened to include roast fish, fried fish, escovitch, jerk, curry coconut, steamed dishes, brown stew and lobster. The couple said customer satisfaction remains one of the main reasons they continue, especially when patrons return with positive feedback about the food.

The Asans said the business was launched with J$50,000, and growth has required steady reinvestment rather than quick personal returns. Mrs Asan said they have been putting earnings back into the operation as they work to expand.

Reggae Flames now employs a team of 12. The couple is also preparing to open a restaurant by the middle of June. They also referenced non-alcoholic lemonade and fruit punch among the offerings connected to the business.