A Popular NewBo Eatery is Closing After 14 Years in Business

NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids is home to a number of different shops and food vendors, but one of the most popular businesses has announced that they will be closing up shop at the end of 2025.

About Caribbean Kitchen

Caribbean Kitchen has been beloved stop for authentic Caribbean food since it first started serving customers at the Cedar Rapids Farmers Markets more than a decade ago. It's owned and operated by Patrick Rashed, who is better known by his nickname Jamaican Pat. According to an article from the Cedar Rapids Gazette, Caribbean Kitchen was actually one of NewBo City Market’s original vendors when it first opened back in 2012!

Caribbean Kitchen has had a few different locations over the years, as well as a food truck, but Jamaican Pat has been serving up his famous jerk chicken at NewBo since moving back into the market back in August of 2021. The eatery's menu features rice bowls, burritos, roti tacos, wings, curry, sandwiches, plantains, mac & cheese, and more, and is recommended by 98% of the 89 reviewers on Facebook.

The Announcement

Back on November 5th, Jamaican Pat announced on Facebook that Caribbean Kitchen's time has come to an end. The post reads:

"Hello my friends, this is a bitter sweet post. The first time I heard about NewBo City Market I knew I had to be part of it. Thanks to Wendy Zimmerman and the late Kurt Friese for accepting my dream and a small loan from my Mom I was off to the races. I had no idea what I was doing, but through persistence and perseverance I still don’t know what I’m doing, but I try really hard. But all good things must come to an end."

Pat goes on to say that Caribbean Kitchen's final day in business will be New Year's Eve, December 31st, 2025. According to the Gazette, the business' food truck shut down operations earlier this fall. For one final taste of Cedar Rapids' "original" jerk chicken, be sure to stop by NewBo City Market before the end of the year!

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