Working hard pays off for Gardner
Food trailer business, love of cooking inspired by his mom in Jamaica
He dreams of one day having his own restaurant, and his unique food trailer is definitely a step in the right direction.
Richard Gardner, of Centreville, owner of Cinderella's Caribbean Pot Jamaican Cuisine, first came to Canada from Jamaica as a foreign farm labourer. He travelled back and forth with the program from 2007 to 2014, when he moved to Canada, and continued working as a farm labourer until last year.
He has been operating the food trailer since Aug. 7. Gardner had planned to launch his business in April but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because he doesn't like being in debt, Gardner worked hard and saved his money for six years so he could open the business without involving the bank.
The name Cinderella's is a homage to his mother, who works as a cook for parties, weddings and other large functions in Jamaica. Gardner grew up watching and helping her cook and now uses her recipes.
“That's where I get a love of cooking from, just from watching her and learning from her,” he said.
He's been quickly attracting customers, some of whom return daily. Gardner said the food has been receiving great reviews, so he believes he's doing a good job. Jerk chicken is his specialty and he offers a consistent menu, but the specials change from day-to-day.
Painted in the colours of Jamaica, bright red with green and yellow trim, the food trailer is easy to spot. It also features a portrait of Gardner on the side. He worked for about a year getting the trailer renovated for his business. Since he deals in home cooking and makes everything fresh on-site every day, he removed the deep fryers used by a former owner to make fish and chips.
Gardner believes in supporting local businesses, so he sources everything – including his ingredients – locally.
Gardner's other passion is music. He has a DJ business
“That’s where I get a love of cooking from, just from watching her and learning from her.”
Richard Gardner owner of Cinderella’s Caribbean Pot Jamaican Cuisine
called Unruly Sound, although he's had to put it on hold because of COVID-19. He plays Jamaican music, including Bob Marley songs, out of the food trailer.
Gardner's wife, Serilla, said she is very proud of what he has accomplished. She describes the initial reaction to the business as “overwhelming.”
She said her husband wasn't very familiar with Canadian food when he first moved here but that soon changed. She would be making a dish and Gardner “couldn't stay out of the pot” and “had to add his flare to it.” She said he also does a great job cooking Chinese food.
Cinderella's Caribbean Pot can usually be found in the parking lot of West Side Charlie's on Commercial Street in New Minas. His plan is to take the trailer to events, although there isn't a lot on the go right now.
Gardner is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to about 4 or 4:30 p.m., when they typically run out of food for the day. Gardner said they usually stay open later on Fridays.
For more information or to check out the specials, visit Caribbean Pot Jamaican Cuisine on Facebook.
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