A family-owned Caribbean catering business that started in New York two years ago has moved to Fayetteville and opened its first restaurant.

In 2019, Aldane Ramsingh andhis older brother Odane, as well as his cousinPaul Mair and Paul's wife,Jamile Castro Mair, startedWesmore Caribbean Eats, the name paying homage to the rural Westmoreland parish on the western tip of Jamaica where the Ramsinghs grew up.

With Aldane Ramsingh as chef, the family operated Wesmore as a catering and deliverybusiness on Long Island in New York. Around three months ago, in search of warmer weather and a desire to be closer to family, they moved to Fayetteville and began looking for a spot to open their first restaurant.

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It was around the same time that Jersey Mike's had moved from its standalone location into a spot next door in the Boone Trail Center plaza.The partners took the now-vacated spot and transformed it into a restaurant thathardly resembles the sub sandwich shop it was before.

Wesmore Caribbean Eats opened at 3057 Boone Trailon June 1.

"We wanted to start a generational wealth for our families," co-owner Jamile Castro Mair said. "This is a passion in our family."

The menu hits on all the Jamaican-Caribbean staples, such as curry chicken, oxtails and grilled jerk chicken,as well as a few offerings not found at every Jamaican restaurant, such as steamed coconut curry red snapper, jerk chicken wings and a variety of porridges, such as banana, hominy and peanut, that changes daily.

Mealsare served with a choice of two sides, including white rice, green salad, rice and peas and Jamaican cabbage, a sautedblend that includes green cabbage, carrot, onion andbell pepper.

"I feel like cooking was a God-given talent," Aldane Ramsingh said. "It just comes natural for me."

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., andFriday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The restaurant is closed Sunday.

Ramsingh said he plans to eventually open earlier for breakfast. The breakfast menu will feature a number of traditional Jamaican dishes, such as ackee and saltfish, saltfish fritters and callaloo.

It's only been a week, butRamsingh said the community's response so far has been strong. Still, he's already looking toward the future, including the possibility of more locations.

"I want Wesmore to be the next big thing," he said.

Jacob Pucci writes on food, restaurants and business. Contact him by email atjpucci@gannett.comor follow him on Twitter at@jacobpuccior onFacebook. Like talking food? Join ourFayetteville FoodiesFacebook group.

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At Wesmore Caribbean Eats, Jamaican family brings their take on island flavors to Fayetteville - The Fayetteville Observer