Jerk Station

09/09/2024

Our Southend-on-Sea City Council fans, we are back at the feel good festival with Everyone Health Southend this Saturday.

Lots to feel good about 😋

See ya!!

Just five days to go to our Feel Good Festival and we're getting excited now!

We'll have Food and drinks to purchase on site from the likes of Precious Pasta Wrapstars Jerk Station Bubbles & Beans and . If you'd rather not pay out for lunch out you're welcome to bring a picnic instead!

Southend-on-Sea City Council

05/09/2024

LAST NIGHT

Massive favour, please 🙏

I was at Chelmsford Community Radio last night, presenting (or trying to present 😜) a midweek show. I made it through somehow, ha ha.

Please, if at all possible, are you able to listen for as long (or as short as you can bear 😃), and let me know what you think?

Should I quit my day job?? 🤣

The link to the replay is below, and the show starts at about 3.30 mark.

Much appreciated 🙏

https://m.mixcloud.com/chelmsfordcr/wednesday-midweekchill-040924-chelmsford-community-radio/

23/08/2024

August Bank Holiday weekend 😇

We are excited to be back at the Countess of Warwick Country Show this year. It is one of UK's top ten Country shows with everything for the family!

Tickets might still be available 🤫.

Come and say 'Hi' 😊. We are in the main arena entrance, opposite the Horticultural tent, near the dog show venue also.

A superb day out to top off your summer holidays!!

22/08/2024

Southend we are coming 😇

14th September 2024!!!

All the fun of our Feel Good Festival on Saturday 14th September at Garon Park is hungry work! But don't worry - we've got you!

You're welcome to bring a picnic with you on the day, or visit one of our mouth watering food vendors. We've got lots of treats, some healthier and vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available. Take a look at the menu!
Bubbles & Beans
Burger Boy Burger van
Jerk Station
Fin Coffee Roastery
Little Nany's Ice Cream Van
Namaste Village Southend
Bars 4 Events
Proper Meals
Terry's BBQ Train
Wrapstars

20/08/2024

We will be there, so you won't go hungry 😋

14/08/2024

"I have been enjoying your food 😋"

Just before opening last night, as I was finishing off our opening checks, I noticed a guy opposite the shop on the other side of the road. He appeared to be scrolling through his phone, whilst furtively glancing in my direction.

Almost at the same time, I observed a regular customer standing in front of a neighbouring takeaway shop, seemingly waiting for someone.

I walked towards the door to open for the evening and the guy across the road swiftly crossed over, meeting me as I was opening the door.

'Do you have Jollof rice' he queried.
Yes we do

What about Beans? he asked, as he walked in.
Yes sir, we do.

Closely behind him was an older gentleman, probably in his late 60s/early 70s, and right behind them was our regular customer who had been standing next door.

As the first guy stood at the counter waiting for his orders to be prepared, the other two sat down and waited patiently.

Finally, the older gentleman ordered a large Oxtail meal and a Large Curry goat meal, and then asked our regular customer if she wanted a coke. At this point I realised they were together.

After his order was ready, as I was handing it over, I glanced at our regular, and asked if he was her dad. She smiled broadly, nodding, he beamed with pride. Then I asked him how long he was around for, she interjected, 'he is leaving tomorrow!'

'Oh no' I gasped, without thinking 😂.

He smiled very broadly and said to me,
'That is why I had to come tonight... , I have been enjoying your food'

As we parted, I was thankful (yet again) that we have played a tiny role in giving a visitor to our city, a memory to cherish! For some reason, I feel that he will recall his experience, many times over, to his friends, family, children and grandchildren 😇.

How wonderful is that!!

Any wonder I love my job?

12/08/2024

Last one for today people, but well worth bearing in mind 👌

I simple truth this Friday morning, I hope you allow yourself to let this settle in and set in 🙂 and remember to not be the person doing the judging with little to no context 💛♥️

31/07/2024

23/07/2024

FIRST DIBS, PEEPS 👌

Very limited spaces. Grab it now.

When it's gone, it's gone!!

Jerk and Jollof + music 🎶 🎵. 😇

Scan QR code to reserve your ticket.

04/07/2024

IT'S ALL GOOD (in the end)!
Earlier today, as one of my colleagues arrived at work, I could tell she was really upset. After a little probing, I learnt that her bicycle had been stolen this morning. As she stated, it was actually NOT her's, but one she had borrowed!! She was just about holding it together as she queried 'why, why WHY???' (It was locked securely, this is the 2nd time it has happened, etc...)

Of course, it invariably affects everyone else's mood. (We are humans, and when someone close to us is hurting, we hurt as well). However, we cracked on with what needed to be done. A few other unfortunate incidents took place, including a customer complaining that our menu on a particular delivery partner platform was 'very confusing' and that we 'really must sort it out!' (A phone conversation sorted this out and his choice meals were sent out).

At dinner time, around 7.15 pm, a customer called with another 'feedback'. After the 2 minute conversation, I was told that the customer just wanted to let us know that her meal was the 'best she had EVER TASTED!'

By this time, the 'missing bike' colleague had left, but when we told her of the call, she was thrilled, just as we were ☺!.

Sometimes, we get so caught up with our own issues and forget that just a kind word could help somebody get through a tough day!

Thank you to the lady that took time to phone and let us know that at least one person appreciates what we do. It made a huge difference. 🥰🙏🏾

Love makes the world go round ❣️

04/07/2024

BEFORE & AFTER 🤤😲🥰

Mr S moved office to a nearby location recently. Come lunch time, he took a walk up and down Duke Street, and finally decided on giving us 'a try'.

He ordered a regular Jerk Chicken meal with jollof rice and 'lots of jerk sauce' (who told him?... he actually added more later !!)

Anyway, here are 'before' and 'after' pictures... Do you think he will be back? 🧐

01/07/2024

New Month, New week, new opportunities!

Rooting for you... 💪

26/06/2024

Who dat???

Career change? All in a day's job 👊🏽👍🏽

Hope you are having a good 'un 💪🏽

19/06/2024

Are YOU prepared?

Around midday today, as I was training one of the demi chefs, I heard someone walk into the shop.

I popped my head around, noticed a lady who was putting down her backpack as she leaned her electronic device on the counter.

Smiling broadly, I said, "Hellooo, how can I help? What do you fancy?"

She half smiled, fumbled in her pocket, and brought out her ID card. "I am from the Environmental Health, and I am here to do your Food hygiene inspection"

Instantly, three things happened, almost at the same time! My confident, friendly smile dried up, immediately replaced by another smile, a wry one, which swiftly turned into embarrassed laughter.

As I was laughing, I advised her '' It's not perfect, in fact it's not good, but you've got to do what you've got to do, you are here now! "

She tried to reassure me that it won't be as bad as I feared, that she was actually there to 'help', clearly not about to be dissuaded. She put on her white coat, came round to the back and so began our inspection.

After 70 minutes of (seemingly) endless questions, snooping around the kitchen, observing us as orders were coming through, checking our fridges, freezers, bins... and more questions, she said that she was happy to give us another 5 star rating. There were a few points that we needed to address, but overall, it was good. PHEW!!

The key thing for me is: ALWAYS BE PREPARED.

Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, are you putting your best foot forward? Are you ready to seize that opportunity, or face that challenge?

Rooting for you 💪🏽.

14/06/2024

What is Moi Moi?

Come and find out this weekend 😋.

Chelmsford High Street Market 11 - 4

and 51 Duke Street 5 - 10.

01245 348950

If you snooze... 😜

11/06/2024

TREASURE 😇

I met Leonie Ramondt about 8 years ago. We had just started Jerk Station at the Chelmsford High Street market and she would often stop over to get some (vegetarian) food and have a chat.

She has since moved to Wales, for a quieter, more leisurely lifestyle 😍.

Whenever she is down in the South East, she always squeezes out time from all the 'have to see/dos' to stop by, say hello and have a 'Yabba' ☺️.

She rocked up this morning, just as we were getting ready for Lunch, and we had the most wonderful time!

When she was in Chelmsford, Leonie oversaw Ideas Festival for a while, and started Ideas Hub as a meeting and event space for the festival, running courses etc. Many may not have heard of it but this initial project has grown into The Art Place Chelmsford, currently located in the Meadows shopping Mall, thanks to the current team!

The point is that, wherever you may be, and whatever you may be doing, you are leaving 'something' behind, daily.

Hopefully, it is something worth celebrating!

Thank you for caring enough Leonie 👏🏽👊🏽.

02/06/2024

LIVING THE DREAM??

For each one of us, 'Enjoying life', 'living the dream' might mean different things.

It would probably include activities, places, people and material things that make us feel special, valued, happy.

In my view, it is all anchored on making the most of each day, and finding contentment/pleasure in the journey. Appreciating the 'moments'.

What do you think?

22/05/2024

Guess what?

It's probably fair to say this customer enjoyed their lunch today 😋.

In their own words 'wholesome, nutritious, tasty, filling, good to go for the rest of the day'

Can you guess what they had?

You might get a clue below 😜

51 Duke Street CM1 1JA

12 - 2 Monday to Thursday.

01245 348950.

21/05/2024

AT LAST!! 😇

For the past two years I have been texting, emailing and speaking with Nik , so it was an absolute pleasure when he dropped in unannounced this afternoon.

Thank you for squeezing out time from your very busy schedule to come say 'Hi' 🤓. Keep up the good work 👌🏾.

Nik is the editor of the largest FREE monthly lifestyle magazine in Essex and East Herts.

18/05/2024

More COMPLAINTS please 🙏🏾

Mr S has been a long time customer. He would normally drop in about every 3 weeks and would have Veggie patty, and maybe some other non-meat option. (He became vegetarian when he began breeding animals, and just couldn't 'do it' anymore. However, he does not judge the rest of us 🤗)

He came in on Friday and in addition to his Veggie patty, also asked for Coco bread. He went his merry way and I hoped we'll see him again in a few weeks.

So, I was mildly surprised when I noticed him standing in the queue the very next day, looking very 'serious'.

As we carried on serving, I wondered what it was about. When he got closer, I caught his eye and spoke up from behind my collegue who was serving others.

'' You're back, you alright ?'' I asked mildly.

'' I have a complaint'' he boomed out in a stern voice.

I thought 'Ok, here we go'.

I could see a few people waiting to pick up their orders, to his left, trying to pretend they did not hear the complaint. There were also another 3 in the queue behind him, in addition to the one currently being served by my colleague. I stepped up, hoping he will step aside and talk to me 'quietly'.

He carried on regardless, ''I have a complaint... The food too good man... Let me have 2 more Coco bread and veggie patties!!'' and he started grinning mischievously.

Phew!! ☺️.

Of course you can have whatever you want big man! 🙌🏾

As he left with his likkle stash, I shook my head, thinking 'now that was a surprise coming from HIM'! But would gladly have a few more complaints like that 🤗.

Have a fab weekend all 🌞.

04/05/2024

So helpful 👌🏾

23/04/2024

Yep, Gratitude 🙏🏾

Gratitude is everything

If people realized even reading this post is a blessing the world 🌍 could be so much happier and thankful ❤️

these things are real❗