Today we’d like to introduce you to Brent Hunte.

Hi Brent, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

The story of Jerk ‘N It begins with my Caribbean roots. I was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, until the age of 13 when my family moved to the United States. My love for cooking started early—at just 9 years old, I would watch and learn as my mother prepared meals. I absorbed everything I could, from mastering our cherished family recipes to crafting my own fresh seasonings every day.

For over 20 years, I worked in Corporate America, spending more than a decade as a manager at Walmart. But in 2019, I decided to walk away and pursue my dreams—Jerk ‘N It was born, and I haven’t looked back since.

I am passionate about what I do and who I do it for—my family and my customers. Every day, I make all my seasonings from scratch, staying true to the authentic flavors I grew up with. My goal is to create generational wealth for my family while delivering the best, homemade Caribbean flavors to my community. I refuse to give up or let anything stand in the way of achieving my dreams.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

My journey as an entrepreneur has not always been smooth, as the challenges I face have evolved alongside the growth of my business. In the beginning, the primary obstacles included obtaining permits and licenses, building a clientele, and navigating the foundational steps. However, as my business has grown, the challenges have shifted toward finding the right support, resources, and guidance. Success often depends on ‘who you know,’ making it crucial to build strong networks and connections. Additionally, there is a need for better alignment and communication between counties to streamline processes for entrepreneurs.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Ever since I came to America, I’ve struggled to find authentic Guyanese food. Since my junior high school days, I’ve always craved the familiar tastes of home. I’ve long dreamed of opening a family restaurant that captures the essence of Guyana—blending the flavors I love with the vibrant atmosphere of a Caribbean club, lounge, and restaurant.

My ultimate goal is to create a family-owned establishment that offers delicious food, a welcoming community, and an unforgettable Caribbean vibe.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?

I believe the most essential qualities for my success are being a self-motivator and having determination. No one will work harder, be more committed, diligent, or dedicated to my dreams and goals than me. I have to be my own source of motivation every day.

Being a people person is also crucial. You must know how to communicate effectively, connect with others, and adapt to diverse situations. As an entrepreneur, you wear many hats—manager, chef, marketer, entertainer, and more—juggling multiple responsibilities to keep things moving forward.

I believe in giving more than I receive. I genuinely enjoy engaging with people and creating a unique atmosphere for my customers—a vibe they can experience and enjoy every time they interact with Jerk ‘N It.

Pricing:

• Jerk Chicken $15 + each additional side $5
• Jerk Ribs $20 + each additional side $5
• Jerk Oxtails $25 + each additional side $5
• Jerk Salmon $20 + each additional side $5
• Combo Plates starting $45

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jerkn-it.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerknit2019/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jerknit1144