our story

oh what a difference smoke makes
Original Jerk is a Process. It’s not just jerk sauce. It’s all in how you cook it. How you add different elements to create that Jamaican jerk flavor of being slowly cooked over pimento wood. Dat Jerk uses our unique process to prepare our homemade jerk sauce, that’s slowly rubbed into our signature chicken and pork, then smoked to perfection. Creating jerk flavors that will send your taste buds buzzing.
Dat Jerk is the brain child of founder Richard Fray. With a Cuban and Jamaican background, Richard’s dream was to bring healthy Caribbean food, served with a smile to the market.
Sixteen-years ago he and his wife Angela decided to put their dream of launching Dat Jerk on hold to open successfully run franchises in Southern California.
All the while knowing Dat Jerk would soon come to life!
developing dat jerk
Recipe development for Dat Jerk was in the making three-years prior to opening its first location. Taking time to select the best ingredients and flavors to create Dat Jerk's succulent menu. With the infusion of his daughter, Morgan and other family members creative Caribbean cooking, Dat Jerk's menu has exploded to offer staple favorites such as Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork, a Honey Lime Jerk Salmon and a variety of cooked to order shrimp that will leave you coming back for more!
Dat Jerk's first location in Waldorf, Maryland is currently in its' sixth successful year, Dat Jerk's Glenarden Location celebrates its fourth successful year. We appreciate the continued support and look forward to serving our communities for many more years to come!
It's our goal to treat every customer like family! From the moment you step into the door you will smell and feel the warmth in the atmosphere. Don't be alarmed if you see a few jerks messing around… It's all in jest and a part of our carefree welcoming attitude that's 5 locations ready to serve you!









Our Locations
Hours
Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm
Monday - Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm
Hours
Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm
Monday - Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm
Hours
Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm
Monday - Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm
Dat Jerk Columbia
10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy Suite 3140
Columbia, MD 21044
You can find us outside of the food court!
Hours
Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm
Monday - Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm
Hours
Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm
Monday - Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm
