Joshua Dat, owner of Datz Deli, who was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens is applying what he has learnt while going to his grandmother’s temple, where people would donate food and clothes – being kind to others.
According to Dat, his dad had the greatest influence on him, and he was motivated by his dad’s work ethic. “I never was given anything. I had to work hard and save for everything I have,” he said. Dat’s parents are from Guyana and his parents, his sister Jenny, his younger brother, and his uncle all work together at the restaurant.
The restaurant is known for its DatMacPatty, a delicious combination of its homemade Jamaican Beef Patty, Mac and Cheese and the choice of oxtail, jerk chicken, curry coat, or curry chicken.
“I don’t like to waste food, so I give out the food that’s left over at the end of the night to the remaining customers walking in for free,” he added.
This is just one of many acts of kindness Dat does in his community. Last year during Thanksgiving, he gave back to people who did not have food to eat and in December, he also had an opportunity to team up with Chef Dev from Toronto.
“We did a Pepper Pot-Mac Patty Toy drive where we collected toys. I used half of the proceeds from that day to buy more toys for kids and families who were less fortunate and gave them out to my community and other locations,” he stated.
Dat sees the store as a blessing to the community because it has allowed him to do things like these and give back to those in need.
“The reaction has been nothing but positivity. The community has shown so much love and support to my family and I. I never thought that my story would have inspired and pushed so many people in the ways that it has,” he continued.
He said his contributions to the community can show people that their dreams are possible. He adds that it is important to understand that working together can get you places.
Dat wants younger generations to understand that “saving your money can save you, and family is everything,” he added.
As part of his legacy, he wants people to remember that: “No matter your situation, you can make it out, because I’m proof that with the odds stacked against you, you can make it.”
To support Dat, those interested can visit the restaurant at either of its two locations: 190-01 Hollis Ave., Queens, NY 11423 or 69 Clinton St., New York, NY 10002. They can contact Datz Deli at 929-356-3400.
Those interested can also support Dat by following the restaurant on social media:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/datzdeliNY
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/datzdeli190
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@datzdeli190
