Rodney’s Jamaican Grill returns to Bradenton with authentic Caribbean cuisine

James A. Jones Jr.
·3 min read

Ask Rodney Williams about his life’s work cooking and serving Jamaican food, and the Johnny Cash song “I’ve Been Everywhere” comes to mind.

These days, Williams, 52, a native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, has his Rodney’s Jamaican Grill food truck parked at 420 67th St. W., Bradenton.

That’s right outside the 120-seat Jamaican Grill restaurant, which Williams operated before moving his business to Palmetto 7 1/2 years ago.

Williams will begin cooking in the restaurant as soon as he gets his Florida state inspection. For now, the food truck handles the food preparation and guests may dine in the restaurant.

Williams’ culinary journey has also taken him to restaurants in Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach and more.

He worked at The Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs in 2000, and for Hilton Hotels for 2 1/2 years, also in Colorado, before being transferred to the Hilton on Longboat Key.

While the majority of his career has been in brick-and-mortar restaurants, he got into the food truck business about 18 months ago, in part because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The food truck business took off with Rodney’s Jamaican Grill visiting trailer parks, Ellenton, Lakewood Ranch and the local Nissan dealership.

Rodney Williams recently brought Rodney’s Jamaican Grill back to Bradenton at 420 67th St. W. Williams has been cooking and serving Jamaican food in the Bradenton area for more than a decade.
Rodney Williams recently brought Rodney’s Jamaican Grill back to Bradenton at 420 67th St. W. Williams has been cooking and serving Jamaican food in the Bradenton area for more than a decade.

“There was a lot of takeout during the pandemic,” he said.

The success of the business comes down to the authentic cuisine and the personality of the genial Williams himself.

Long-time friend Winfred Spencer stopped by Rodney’s Jamaican Grill this week for the jerk chicken alfredo and for the reggae music.

“I always know that Rodney will be here,” Spencer said. “I met him when his restaurant was on Longboat Key.”

The jerk pork tenderloin dinner at Rodney’s Jamaican Grill is served with two sides and sells for $14 at Rodney’s Jamaican Grill, 420 67th St. W., Bradenton.
The jerk pork tenderloin dinner at Rodney’s Jamaican Grill is served with two sides and sells for $14 at Rodney’s Jamaican Grill, 420 67th St. W., Bradenton.

The most popular entree at Rodney’s?

That would be the slow-simmered oxtails, seasoned with Jamaican spices, Williams said.

Also popular is Mama G’s Sampler: curry goat, oxtail and jerk chicken served with rice, beans and plantains.

Other entrees include jerk chicken, Montego Bay snapper, curry chicken, brown stew chicken, ribeye steak, and more, starting at $13.

The jerk chicken dinner at Rodney’s Jamaican Grill is served with two sides and sells for $14 at Rodney’s Jamaican Grill, 420 67th St. W., Bradenton.
The jerk chicken dinner at Rodney’s Jamaican Grill is served with two sides and sells for $14 at Rodney’s Jamaican Grill, 420 67th St. W., Bradenton.

Also available are a variety of starters (jerk wings, mozzarella sticks, grilled shrimp kabobs and more), salads and sandwiches (jerk chicken, sirloin burger, Philly steak and ham, and more).

Beer, including Jamaican favorite Red Stripe, and wine are available. Williams expects to eventually have a full bar.

For dessert, request the bread pudding.

Asked about the success of great Jamaican athletes like sprinters Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Williams has a ready answer.

“We don’t eat fast food. We eat real food,” he said.

Rodney’s Jamaican Grill shrimp salads are lined up and ready to go for hungry customers.
Rodney’s Jamaican Grill shrimp salads are lined up and ready to go for hungry customers.

Rodney’s Jamaican Grill is open six days a week and closed Monday. Hours are 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. - midnight Thursday through Saturday and 1 - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Food trucks, like Rodney’s Jamaican Grill, have become an integral part of the Bradenton dining scene.

Rich Knowles, a chef and owner of Innovative Dining, a catering business, also operates Bradentrucky Grub Truck at 5239 Manatee Ave. W. That is the same address where Knowles is preparing to relaunch his EnRich Bistro, which he closed in 2020, early in the pandemic.

Others making the transition to brick-and-mortar include TK Grill & Barbeque, 4927 96th St. E., Palmetto, and sisters Mindy and Ali Converse with their American Honey Creamery, 4949 96th St. E., Palmetto.

Tu Tran, who operates the T & T Hibachi Japanese Food at 8003 U.S. 301 N., Parrish, is making plans to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the Orange Blossom plaza at 403 Cortez Road W., Bradenton.

For more information, about Rodney’s Jamaican Grill, visit https://rodneysjamaicangrillinc.com/.