Jerk Squad Philly planted the foundations of its first-ever location at 5301 Germantown Ave. in June. Serving Jamaican food with a twist, Jerk Squad allows those who love Caribbean-inspired food, and those who have never tried it, to encounter a whole new dining experience.

Open Tuesday through Saturday, Jerk Squad has already received support from the Germantown area. With five stars on Google Reviews, it has been making a name for itself after just two months of operation.

Co-founder Steven Newman Jr. explained how the idea for Jerk Squad came about and how it led to their grand opening.

“The inspiration begins with our executive chef and co-owner, Benton Peak, who is originally from Jamaica, and his incredible knack for taking the traditional and making it his own with a twist,” Newman said. Opening in Germantown “was a natural choice because our connection to the community is personal. Some of the owners have lived in the area for more than 20 years.”

Jerk Squad is focusing on building strong roots and providing customers with consistency to keep them coming back for more Caribbean cuisine.

Customers can choose among different styles of food such as bowls, quesadillas, salads, pastas, sandwiches and more. Two of their signature dishes include “The Jerk Jawn,” a bowl of jerk chicken, rice and peas, peppers and onions, plantains and jerk barbecue sauce; and the “Sweet Chili Bowl” of grilled salmon, golden rice, slaw, pickled onions, craisins and sweet chili sauce.

The “Urban Jungle Power Bowl or the “Swattle Salad” also provide customers with two flavorful plant-based options. If none of these options are exactly what the customers want, they offer a “Build Your Own Bowl” option that allows customers to choose their base, protein, sides and toppings.

“My own personal favorite is the ‘Ya ‘Naa’N Mean Bowl,’ a play on some Philly slang, but this bowl does not disappoint,” Newman said. “It is a fusion of jerk chicken and Indian-style butter chicken served with cilantro roasted cauliflower, pickled red onions and toasted naan bread.”

Newman said Jerk Squad stands out for its model of quick-service Caribbean food as well as its customer service. They are not only putting their focus on perfecting their dishes, but on creating a memorable experience for the customers.

“Quality is non-negotiable, but so is making every guest feel welcomed and valued,” Newman said. “Our difference is not based on one signature item; it comes from the food, the environment, the flexibility of the menu and the way our team treats people.”

The philosophy at Jerk Squad, he said, is to have every customer leave their establishment wanting to return not only for the food, but for the warmth and service they experience while they’re ordering, eating and leaving. “Your food can be great, but if you don’t have the service to match, you’re dead in the water!” he said.

Jerk Squad has a larger vision for its brand but is primarily putting the focus into growing and perfecting its new location before venturing onto bigger projects. They are hoping to make long-lasting connections that guide them into their future.

“The food should be memorable, but so should the way they were welcomed and treated while in our space,” Newman said. “We want Jerk Squad to feel modern, energetic and inviting, whether someone is a regular guest or walking in for the first time.”