Jerk King: Bringing Authentic Caribbean Flavors to the World

Jerk King is a fast-casual Caribbean restaurant franchise known for its bold, authentic flavors and vibrant cultural roots. Founded in Toronto, Canada, in 1998 by Johnson Osei—originally under the name Marcus Garvey Restaurant—the brand rebranded to Jerk King as it expanded its culinary footprint.

The company is now headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, and began offering franchise opportunities in 2023.

Jerk King specializes in traditional Caribbean dishes, including jerk chicken, oxtail, roti, plantains, and dumplings. What sets the brand apart is its proprietary marinade recipes, crafted in-house to deliver a flavor profile exclusive to Jerk King locations.

Jerk King stands out in the competitive fast-casual market by offering a unique blend of authentic Caribbean cuisine and a proven business model. Its commitment to quality, culture, and community makes it an appealing choice for entrepreneurs seeking to bring a taste of the Caribbean to their local markets.

Training

Jerk King provides a comprehensive training program to prepare franchisees and their management for running a successful restaurant operation. The training programs offered by the franchisor include the following:

1. Initial Training Program: This mandatory program is required for the franchisee (if an individual) and up to two Business Managers. It must be completed at least one month before opening the restaurant. The program is provided at no additional charge for three individuals and includes classroom and hands-on instruction. If a trainee fails to complete it successfully, they may retake the next session without charge; however, failure again may lead to termination of the franchise agreement.
2. Training for Replacement Personnel: Any Business Managers hired after opening must attend the Initial Training Program at a cost of $50 per hour per person, plus travel and lodging expenses. This ensures all new management staff meet operational standards.
3. On-Site Training or Assistance: Jerk King offers on-site support, especially for franchisees opening their first restaurant. Although not mandatory, this training is subject to the franchisor’s discretion and availability.
4. Supplemental and Ongoing Training: Franchisees may be required to attend additional training sessions, webinars, or conferences. All related costs, including travel and lodging, are the responsibility of the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Jerk King provides franchisees with a defined geographic area known as a “Protected Territory,” within which the franchisor agrees not to operate or license another restaurant under the same brand.

This territory is typically a specific radius around the franchised location and is formally outlined in Exhibit A of the Franchise Agreement. During the term of the agreement, the franchisor cannot alter the territory, and franchisees are not granted rights of first refusal or options for adjacent areas.

However, the protection comes with notable limitations. Jerk King and its affiliates reserve the right to operate businesses under different trademarks both inside and outside the territory, including non-traditional venues like airports or stadiums.