Howard Alumni Transforming Washington, DC’s Culinary Landscape: The Rise of Jerk at Nite
Howard Alumni Spice Up DC’s Restaurant Scene: The Rise of Jerk at Nite
Washington, DC, is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and, of course, its diverse culinary scene. Among the many flavors that define this city, one stands out: the mouthwatering taste of Jamaican jerk chicken. And at the forefront of this culinary revolution are Howard University alumni Denville Myrie Jr. and Kadeem Todd, whose journey from dorm room cooking to restaurant ownership is nothing short of inspiring.
From Dorm Room to Food Truck
In 2012, while still a student at Howard University, Denville Myrie Jr. began selling Jamaican jerk chicken from his dorm room. What started as a late-night food option for fellow students quickly turned into a beloved culinary venture. The demand was undeniable, and Myrie soon expanded his operation beyond the campus, hiring his peers as delivery drivers and serving the Howard community six days a week.
Myrie’s vision was bolstered by his co-owner, Kadeem Todd, who shared his passion for food and entrepreneurship. Together, they launched Jerk at Nite, a brand that would soon become synonymous with quality Jamaican cuisine in the DC area.
The Journey to Success
By 2014, the duo had purchased their first food truck, introducing jerk oxtail to their growing menu. The success of the food truck allowed them to expand further, acquiring two additional trucks with the ultimate goal of establishing a brick-and-mortar location.
In 2019, after securing a lease on H Street, they faced the daunting task of building out their restaurant. “We learned about construction and took a hard process of building ourselves with no bank funding,” the company shared in an Instagram video. Their perseverance paid off, and in August 2023, Jerk at Nite opened its doors to the public, with Loic Sany serving as the executive chef.
A Taste of Recognition
Jerk at Nite quickly gained popularity, maintaining its food trucks while scaling to a second storefront at 2149 Queens Chapel Rd NE. The restaurant received a significant boost in visibility when popular food critic Keith Lee featured it on TikTok, praising its delicious offerings. His review not only brought in new customers but also resulted in a generous $4,000 tip, half of which the team decided to use to provide 200 meals to customers in need.
In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, the Jerk at Nite team expressed their gratitude: “Thank you @keith_lee125 @ron.geezy for supporting local restaurants like us in the DMV showing our team love. 10 years ago we were selling food out of our dorm room at @howard1867 and now we’re here!”
Overcoming Adversity
Despite their success, the journey has not been without challenges. Recently, Jerk at Nite faced a devastating loss when their original H Street location was destroyed in a fire. However, the community rallied around them, and the team plans to use the remaining $2,000 from the TikTok tip to help repair the damages.
Their resilience is a testament to their dedication to the craft and the community they serve. “We hope we made DC proud! Big up ya self Keith‼️” they concluded, showcasing their unwavering spirit.
Looking Ahead
With plans to open a fourth location in Baltimore, MD, projected for September 2024, the future looks bright for Jerk at Nite. Myrie and Todd’s journey from dorm room cooks to successful restaurateurs is a powerful reminder of the impact that passion, hard work, and community support can have.
As Howard alumni continue to make their mark on the restaurant scene in Washington, DC, one thing is clear: the flavors of Jamaica are here to stay, and Jerk at Nite is leading the charge. So, the next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and taste the perseverance and passion that has made this restaurant a local favorite.