One of Bronx’s popular Jamaican-American restaurants reopened last month and debuted a new look. Founded in 1990, the Dumpling Cove restaurant — known for its dumplings and fish meals recently transformed from a takeout spot, to a dine-in restaurant. This change has been in the works for a long time, mostly to create a more customer friendly atmosphere and to satisfy more menu choices, said the founder of the restaurant.
“We have been planning the re-launch for the Cove for the past few months, and the decision to relaunch was motivated by my vision to transform the Dumplin Shop into a full fledged sit-down restaurant that offer clients a full Jamaican menu,” said Kerieth Mair.
The new space boasts of the slightly new name of Dumpling Cove — for two decades it was known as the Dumplin Shop. And customers will be able to pick and choose what they want to eat on an up to date bill of fare.
“We did a complete revamping of our display menu. We now have new 30-inch flat display menu monitors that gives us a more modern look, and for the summer, clients who like the outdoors — we will offer them the option of dining on our outside veranda,” he said.
Mair added that the name change reflected their homegrown mission to create a home away from home, and encourage the ambiance of community he wants to continue building in his business.
“The name was changed to the Dumpling Cove Restaurant — the name reflecting our laid back island offering,” he said. “The tempting island aroma that originates from the kitchen, signals to neighborhood folks that this Jamaican-style cuisine is the only place they need to dine.”
The restaurant’s interior has painted murals, and there is even a stage for band performances for music groups and karaoke nights, according to Mair. And a new addition there will be Internet radio, which will feature reggae music stations and talk shows.
Longtime patrons are huge fans of the makeover, that sales have increased as are new venue requests.
“The feedback has been tremendous and we have received lots of positive compliments. The clients love not just the new looks but they raved about the improved service,” he said. “We have seen an increase in business in the takeout and sit down restaurant. We have also been getting lots more bookings from clients celebrating milestone events like birthdays, wedding anniversaries and graduations.”
He adds that this newly revamped Cove will feature more social gatherings, and starting next month on June 3, the eatery will be the location of a wine and cheese mixer. Mair said many people were looking forward to the social event.
“We have just started the promotions and I am happy to report that we are getting positive responses so far,” he said.
Mair, a former public transit driver, retired four years ago to focus on his business full time. Since, he has been committed to staying true to his business model, and offering more to his customers along the way.
“The mission of the Cove is to serve authentic Jamaican dishes to clients and provide them with a vibrant eating experience that tantalize their taste buds and satisfy their appetites,” he said. “The Cove is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience.”
Dumpling Cove [1524 E. 222nd St. between Baychester and Edson avenues in Baychester, (718) 653-3143, www.thedu
