You don’t have to go all the way to Jamaica to get a taste of the Caribbean. The Royal Onion restaurant brings the transformative taste of the island culture to Alexandria – and is expanding to a new location that opens tomorrow.

 

What started in a food truck in 2017 and has been in a building on Texas Avenue for the last three and a half years, is moving this week to a bigger and more prominent location in front of the Alexandria Mall.

 

The Royal Onion is moving into the former Jimmy John’s, between Weiss & Goldring and McAlister’s Deli, at 3601 Masonic Drive, Suite C. Their last day at 1235 Texas Avenue was on April 7th – and since then, founders Nieshala and Corey Smith have been working to get their new location ready to open this Friday.

 

Corey grew up in Antigua, so the Caribbean culture is second nature to him and his family. But it took a trip to Jamaica for Nieshala to experience a new world of flavors. After Nieshala got her first taste of jerk chicken and oxtail, she knew this was something she wanted to bring to life in the Alexandria community. Nieshala has since combined her love for cooking with her entrepreneurial background, to bring the Caribbean culture to life in Alexandria.

 

The move to a bigger location is part of the growth the Smiths have cultivated with The Royal Onion the last nine plus years. Nieshala says the new location better supports their volume, allows for improved workflow, and gives them the ability to elevate both their menu and the overall guest experience.

 

To see their menu of Caribbean grilled items and innovative twists, you can go online to www.royalonion.com. They are also on Facebook and Instagram.

 

So if you are looking for a true Caribbean experience and something more than just a dining spot, but a place to explore the world of authentic Jamaican inspired food, Nieshala and Corey invite you to try the newly expanded Royal Onion Restaurant, next to Weiss & Goldring, in front of the Alexandria Mall.