Sticks Skewer Kitchen x Havana Café celebrates a fusion of flavour and culture

When Cuban-Jamaican Jessica Chang, the proud owner of Havana Café, joined forces with Kendra Carberry-Walters, the culinary talent behind Sticks Skewer Kitchen, the mission was simple: deliver a dynamic and delicious fusion of enticing flavours for all to savour.

“We are influenced by the Caribbean blend of African, Asian, and Latin flavours, and that’s presented on every plate. But you’re not just coming for food; you’re getting an experience that engages all the senses. You smell the grill, hear the music, feel the energy, and the space transitions seamlessly from daytime dining to nightlife,” Chang told Food.

Formerly Club Cubana, the business partners recently welcomed returning and new customers to the newly renovated dining space.

“The space already had a strong identity as Club Cubana, known for its Cuban culture and nightlife. So we didn’t want to replace that. We wanted to build on it. It’s a space designed for people to unwind, connect, and enjoy it, whether that’s over food or drinks,” she explained.

What makes this partnership even more special is the fact that the brands complement each other. Inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of Havana, Cuba, where Chang was born, the café is all about culture, creating an inviting atmosphere and setting the tone for the right energy. While the kitchen seeks to elevate the food experience and transport taste buds to different regions of the world. Sticks’ Carberry-Walters is Jamaican with mixed Chinese and European heritage.

The signature menu line-up at Sticks includes yakitori-style skewers. This is a Japanese method of cooking bite-sized pieces of meat and other proteins and vegetables, skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal. The skewer line-up includes chicken, pork, beef, fish, tofu and shrimp, each paired with house-made sauces.

Carberry-Walters said the wings have been a top seller since the first day of opening. “They are coated in our signature sauces, which people are already in love with, like the garlic parmesan, Korean fire, and sweet sesame sauce.”

The tacos and bowls are flavour game changers that have been doing exceptionally well among customers. And to honour the Havana culture, food lovers are transported to Cuba with dishes like ropa vieja, bistec de pollo and Cuban pulled pork sandwiches.

“Customers can expect to see an expansion of our menu over the course of the next few weeks, as we are still improving and defining our menu and brand,” Carberry-Walters added.

For Havana Café, Chang shared that it is simple and intentional by nature, using fresh ingredients with strong flavours. “Our mojitos and margaritas are a crowd favourite. The mojito represents Cuban culture itself, being fresh and rooted in natural ingredients. So of course, we are focused on keeping it authentic, with freshly squeezed limes and real [spearmint], ensuring they aren’t overly sweet, properly mixed and consistent every time. I’d say we have the best mojitos in town.”

She further highlighted that the signature Havana Café drink is a must-have. The mixing journey begins with Cuban coffee. Rum is added, and it is then shaken over ice, creating a smooth, rich cocktail that will give your palate a one-way ticket to the pearl of the Caribbean. The response, so far, is positive and encouraging. “People are enjoying the experience and coming back,” Chang revealed.

Although the business is in its early stages, the two aren’t new to entrepreneurship or the food industry. Carberry-Walters got her start with The Bean Stalk a decade ago. She has also successfully run Tai Tai, a popular ice cream company, currently in the process of restructuring, while Chang gained career experience from Club Cubana.

“We host weekly themed nights, salsa dancing, karaoke, parties, events, and live performances, especially on weekends and at the end of the month. We’re also developing menu offerings that complement that, late-night menus and shareable items. This is a place where the food is exciting, the environment feels alive, and every visit feels a little different. It’s about giving people a reason to come, stay, and come back again,” Carberry-Walters said.

Chang chimes in by noting, “Whether you’re coming for lunch or dinner, or looking for a night out, there’s something here for you. Expect a full Latin experience that you won’t find anywhere else on the island.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com