Caribbean Eatery to Open Downtown

Monday's opening of Douglasville's new downtown parking deck came at just the right time to accommodate a new Caribbean restaurant, planning to open around Oct. 15.

The new Island Bar and Grille will be located at 6650 Broad Street, where the short-lived Munchie's once was.

With the addition of a Caribbean restaurant to Downtown Douglasville, the area will become a flavor-fest of international cuisine, joining Fabiano's Italian Deli and the Irish Bred Pub.

That's just the kind of downtown revival business owners like Irish Bred Pub owner Neil Jenkins is hoping for.

"I think it's a big day for existing downtown businesses," Jenkins said Monday after the opening of the new parking deck. "I'd like to think that the new conference center and parking deck will attract new businesses that will help further revive the downtown.

"I look forward to welcoming back those who were hesitant to come downtown for lunch because of the parking issue," he said. "Day or night there will never be a parking issue downtown again."

The restaurant's island-style menu will include oxtail and curry chicken, as well as American food such as turkey and beef burgers. 

"Our signature dish will be Jerk chicken, which is tender pieces of chicken marinated in Jamaican jerk seasoning and slow-roasted," said Sheryl Calloo, who owns the restaurant with her husband Glenville.

This is the couple's first restaurant.