Marlon Llewellyn was born and raised in Jamaica. His mother owned a restaurant there, and he recalls Christmas events that brought the entire community together to eat her food and receive the thousands of gifts she purchased for the local children.
“We would be outside all day, eating, fellowshipping as a community, and every single person left with a gift and a full belly,” Llewellyn said.
When Llewellyn’s mother passed away 10 years ago, he told his siblings he wanted to own a restaurant to honor his mother’s legacy. Though he put the thought aside for a while, this year, things changed.
He knew it was something he had to try.
“This past February I was at Heartland Church in Fishers and Pastor Darryn [Scheske] started a new series on John 15:5,” he said. “It says, ‘Whoever abides in me will bear much fruit.’ I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me and he said he’s not letting me leave without trying everything I need to try.”
He went home and the first thing that popped up in his journal was his idea for a Jamaican restaurant. The next day at work, Llewellyn saw an ad for the Fishers Test Kitchen on his computer screen.
It was meant to be.
“I created a business plan and sent it in on Tuesday, and they called me on Thursday,” he said. “Since June we’ve been doing pop-ups and every one of them has sold out.”
Scotchy Jamaican Grill is the latest offering at Fishers Test Kitchen, a culinary launch pad for entrepreneurs and unique dining ideas. The staff has walked Llewellyn through every step and he’s grateful for their guidance.
“We’re excited and I’m blessed and honored,” he said. “I’ve learned so much. There’s an amazing team here, and in six months I’m a better person, chef and business owner because of their support.”
The staff at Fishers Test Kitchen and the sold-out pop-ups throughout the year have made it clear that there’s an interest in a unique and delicious option not always found in the area.
For Llewellyn, it’s about great food, but even more so – great community.
“We’re making jerk chicken and jerk pork with authentic preparation,” he said. “It’s marinated and slow-cooked. For me, food is all about community. No matter what it is, it brings people together. Our theme is ‘Catch Ah Vibe’ and every Friday and Saturday we see some of the same people returning. They’ve caught the vibe and they love the amazing food, understanding the culture and learning more about it.”
Llewellyn said they hope to host Jamaican-themed events in 2025, teaching others how to make Jamaican food in their own kitchen.
He and his son, Bryce (a co-owner), also hope to open 100 locations across the Midwest by 2030.
His faith keeps him going and Llewellyn knows his mom is watching too.
“This past week we did a large catering event and I made mom’s famous sweet-and-sour meatballs,” he said. “Everyone said they were amazing and it was mom’s recipe, so it sounds like I did it right. If mom were here right now, she’d be saying, ‘It’s about time.’”
