Mom Dukes Authentic Jamaican Cuisine receives $10,000 My Main Street grant
If you are craving some authentic Jamaican jerk chicken, this spot in Port Colborne will not disappoint.
Mom Dukes Authentic Jamaican Cuisine is hoping to spread the word about their delicious food with the help of a My Main Street grant.
The My Main Street, Local Business Accelerator program is delivered by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario with an overall Government of Canada investment of $23.25 million through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to support the recovery and strength of main streets and local businesses in southern Ontario.
Mom Dukes Authentic Jamaican Cuisine brings delicious food to an area of Port Colborne that has over time turned into what could be coined a Culinary Route — Mom Dukes joins 10 other restaurants and an additional 10 fast-food establishments over just three short kilometres.
Some of the items available include barbecue jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtail. All dishes come with rice, peas and steamed vegetables. Other options include plain white rice and coleslaw.
Owner Paula Campbell is no stranger to the hardships food establishments have suffered during the pandemic. After almost a two-decade career as a personal support worker, she deserves extra credit given she opened her doors right in the middle of COVID uncertainty back in August of 2021.
She said other than the personal care aspect, there are some similarities between the two occupations.
“It’s more or less the same. You are serving people through their stomach,” she said. “I enjoy meeting new people.”
Campbell thanked the My Main Street program as well as the City of Port Colborne for the “exceptional opportunity.”
“Our ambassador Olga worked with us to successfully navigate the application process,” said Campbell. “Thanks to her efforts, we will be able to make improvements to our business to better serve our community.”
The grant will allow Mom Dukes to support findings from the market research provided by My Main Street to drive economic growth and attract new customers to its business and the Port Colborne community.
They will use part of the funds to purchase a new sign for the business.
“At nighttime, especially in the wintertime, we can’t see it — it’s just that banner,” said Dwayne Leach, Campbell’s husband.
They will also purchase a portable heating cabinet. Campbell explained they had plans to begin going to the market.
Campbell and Leach wanted to thank the community for accepting them and the support that has been provided since they opened in August 2021.
“Everyone is welcome! We’d love you see you,” said Leach.
Locally, My Main Street offers free support from a dedicated paid staff person — local ambassador Olga Loeffen — and grants to help new and existing businesses.
To be eligible for the grants, businesses must be members of the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) or Main Street BIA.
All businesses in Port Colborne have access to community profiles created by My Main Street.
Others grant recipients announced so far are: Lucky Thai, Summerhayes Studios — The Art Guild, Eh Amigos Cantina, Genius Fitness & MMA, Oak Tree Yoga & Wellness, Bambi’s Bistro and Meraki Beauty Academy.
To arrange a virtual meeting with the My Main Street ambassador, email [email protected] or call 905-835-2900, ext. 507.
For more information on Mom Dukes Authentic Jamaican Cuisine, visit momdukes2020.com.
MOM DUKES AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN CUISINE
155 Main St. W., Port Colborne
289-823-0384
Monday to Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Closed Sunday
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