Reggae Jerk Hut: A Taste of Caribbean Culture in McKinney, Texas

Marsha Telfer and her husband, Adrian Telfer, opened Reggae Jerk Hut in summer 2023. The restaurant stemmed from Adrian’s vision of a place he wanted to open after he worked as a line cook before he joined the military. When he finished his service in 2015, Adrian decided he wanted to get back into hospitality and cooking. The duo took a look around their hometown of McKinney, Texas, and realized it lacked diverse Caribbean food destinations outside of a few staple places. Marsha had the idea to blend elements from Haitian and Jamaican cuisines and, in doing so, the couple created the city’s first Haitian-Jamaican restaurant.

“Reggae Jerk Hut [brings] both of our cultures together to serve Jamaican and Haitian food, fused together,” she says.

At Reggae Jerk Hut, find deep-fried conch fritters served with a creamy dipping sauce; oxtail birria tacos; chicken wings coated with a variety of sauces; rasta pasta, where penne and bell peppers get smothered in a cream sauce with RJH’s secret assortment of spices; curried goat or chicken; a griot snack box; and a macaroni and cheese oxtail skillet. “The first dish someone visiting for the first time should order is the Tour of Jamaica, because it offers a little bit of everything,” Marsha says. “It has oxtail, curry goat, and you can pick a Haitian rice to go with it.”

Marsha spoke to Eater Dallas about some of her favorite places in DFW to eat, from other Caribbean-inspired spots to the places she goes to for self-care. Her sweet tooth informed some of her choices, as well as the networking she has done with other small business owners as they support each other in the industry.

Marsha’s Favorite Spots in DFW

8700 Preston Road, Suite 127 in Plano

This place has only been open for a couple of months, and I want to show them love. They serve Louisiana/soul food fusion. The daiquiris are amazing, and the food is good. It’s like stepping into Louisiana without leaving DFW. I’ve been trying all the daiquiris out.

1522 East Abram Street in Arlington

This place has authentic Haitian food; I believe it’s the only Haitian restaurant in the DFW area. They also sell Haitian goodies and treats. The standout dish here is the legume, which is a blend of vegetables and meat with cabbage, beef chunks or oxtails, eggplant, and carrots that are cooked down together and served over rice. I found this place because we have a Haitian community, and the business owner reached out to me to ask some questions. We stay connected, and we all have to help one another.

A Texas Twinkie at Hutchins Barbecue.

Kathy Tran

1301 North Tennessee Street in McKinney

I go here a lot because it’s so close to me. I’m there two or three times a week. I love the brisket — I get the lean cut. I love the cream of corn, it has me in a chokehold. The flavors here are great. When I go to other barbecue spots, it can be hit or miss, but Hutchins is consistent every time I go.

1933 Elm Street in Dallas

I love soul food, and I like how [owner] Kevin Kelly does it with a twist. It’s mixed, like the jerk