Right down the street from Buffalo State where the hip part of Elmwood begins, there is a new and distinct family restaurant almost ready for customers.
Mango’z is making its home near the corner of Elmwood and Forest and will be presenting its unique Jamaican menu in a few weeks.
The building, which has been empty for about two years, caught the eye of business owner Roy Persaud (center). Roy’s relatives come from Guiana, a country in South America and a sister island of Jamaica. He owns a few Johnny Rocket’s restaurants, and a Mrs. Fields.
When I went to check out the up and coming diner with a handwritten “coming soon MANGO’Z” sign in the window, Roy and his son (right) were working on the inside of the building painting, sweeping, caulking and whatnot. Charismatic and gregarious with a marked sense of humor, Roy is the type of person that would keep customers coming back. He was very excited to talk to me about his project.
The restaurant was supposed to be open right now, Roy told me, but since they are doing the carpentry work themselves and waiting for permits, it is taking a bit longer than they expected.
Real Jamaican food and music (or “jammin'” as they call tunes in Jamaica) can be expected at the new diner. Roy said he wanted to do something unique for the area, which is dominated by Greek restaurants.
“You gotta be different, that is basically what we are trying to do here, “said Roy. He told me that he wanted to “marry two cultures, American and Jamaican.”
He wanted a real Jamaican cook, so he threw an ad on craigslist looking for one. He received a response from a Jamaican native named Kemar (left), whom was also there putting some finishing touches on the men’s bathroom. He has only been in America four years, and his accent is still thick. Roy warned me that I would not understand much of what he said, and he was right. Roy also mentioned that they are going to be having another Jamaican woman work for them who lives in the area.
Some of the items on the menu will include jerk chicken, honey glazed chicken, beans and rice, fish, and hamburgers. Roy believes every restaurant has to have a good hamburger, and of course a veggie burger as well. He does not plan on serving alcohol, since he wishes to create a family atmosphere.
“We are very enthusiastic about this,” said Roy.
The place is big enough for two dining rooms, and includes a large kitchen. The kitchen is just about ready for cooking, and the dishes are all there. The bathrooms even look great. All they need now is a few finishing touches, tables, and customers.
Mango’z will be opening in the next few weeks, and seems like it will make good business. It is a short distance for Buffalo State students to walk to, and it will definitely be something worth checking out.
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