Kool Reggae Restaurant

from B2B Magazine Expansion Edition Fall 2022_issue 74

Zandra Kierstead – KV Family Counselling

KOOL REGGAE

By Lydia Phillip Photo by Skkynation Media

REGGAE ON THE ROCK

Entrepreneurs are often highly regarded as multifaceted, hardworking individuals. Belinda and Gary Robinson, owners of the Kool Reggae restaurant, in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, are no exception. Although they hail from a family of bakers, cooks, and chefs, these two entrepreneurs have worn many different hats on their own. Alongside previous experience in the restaurant business, Gary is an accountant, has taught mathematics, and worked as an air traffic controller. Belinda, who is also an educator and accountant, used to teach integrated sciences and biology before discovering her passion for the healthcare industry and enrolling in a nursing program. The nursing program brought the Robinsons from Jamaica to Canada’s east coast when a work opportunity arose in 2015. Although it’s a vastly different culture and climate than they left, the Robinsons eagerly made Newfoundland their home. They were curious about how their family would be received in a predominantly white area but say they have been warmly welcomed. “I see a growing province and the opportunity to build here. It’s a beautiful place and it has been good to us,” Belinda says. Since they met in college, the Robinsons have always had a passion for cooking and baking. When they arrived on The Rock, a big idea began to form. They saw the opportunity to do something different, to fill a gap in the food industry and bring a taste of the Caribbean to their new neighbours. They didn’t have much at the start — except determination. The Robinsons received assistance from the local Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) and were later able to secure a loan as well as purchase equipment from a closing franchise. The couple opened Kool Reggae in July 2019, offering a variety of flavourful, homemade Jamaican pastries and dishes.

Gary, Cindy and Belinda Robinson, the family behind Kool Reggae

Belinda and Gary Robinson Kool Reggae 241 Airport Blvd, Gander, NL A1V 1J5 (709) 651-1395 www.koolreggae.ca Facebook: koolreggaerestaurant

Kool Reggae’s logo is a nod to the intertwining cultures and a play on words. “We’re here and we feel like we’re a part of Newfoundland,” Belinda proudly exclaims. She personally developed the design which depicts a polar bear standing between two palm trees with a seascape in the background. “We wanted it to be inclusive,” she says. The polar bear represents the often-chilly Newfoundland temperatures while the beach scene creates a tropical staycation within the province. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, the Robinsons remained optimistic. “The road has been rocky since COVID, but it really comes down to how we can manage through these stormy waters, and we are,” said Gary who attributes their progress to their eclectic mix of backgrounds and work experience. “It helps us cope with the current situation.” The couple continued to learn as they went, adapting to the local culture, tourist operations, different regulatory requirements, and new ways to deliver food orders. As they press onward, the Robinsons are intent on producing high-quality food and service. “My parents always told us to put out our best. We are proud of the service we offer and the quality of our food,” Gary said. Customers enter the restaurant in search of something unique and leave with promises to return. “People come by here and say they’ve never tasted anything like it.” The Robinsons are constantly innovating with new dishes, seasonings, and spices, using generational recipes while adding their own flair. They’re thankful for the support they received from Newfoundlanders and are happy to better acquaint locals with Jamaican food and culture, “We found people are willing to try something new, so we have a strong customer base.” Last year, Kool Reggae moved to a new, more central location nearer the Gander International Airport. It’s a venue that invites more tourists and travellers through the restaurant doors. “We have a bigger space and more equipment. Everything happened at the right time,” Belinda said. In March 2022, the Robinsons attended the World of Flavour Culinary contest hosted by the Association of New Canadians. As a testament to their propensity for flavour and quality, the Robinsons were awarded first place for the Gander area. Belinda spoke about the stigma Black entrepreneurs face, as well as the recent expansion of the Black Business Initiative’s (BBI’s) operations to other parts of Atlantic Canada and the opportunity BBI provides in supporting and connecting business owners. More Black Canadians will benefit from its business development programs. “BBI’s expansion to Newfoundland means empowerment. It means strength. It means more support and shifting the perspective that Black people aren’t seen as progressing,” she says. The Robinsons expressed their appreciation to the BBI for the support and business promotion they are receiving, hopeful it will bring even more people through their doors. “With organizations like the BBI, we can build ourselves up. Then, we can extend those services and supports to other people,” Belinda says. “We want to be an inspiration for Black people and anyone afraid to start a business. Yes, it is more challenging for Black entrepreneurs, but we will rise above it with faith and determination.” In the future, the Robinsons plan to create a space for hosting events and concerts, diversifying operations with a bar, and offering live entertainment for guests. The vision for Kool Reggae is to provide a welcoming, multicultural experience so everyone feels like they belong.