Voted Best Luxury Hotel in the Caribbean TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards

Gariel Ferguson made his entrance into the restaurant arena at the age of 14 as a part-time dishwasher at Masa San Japanese Restaurant, Miami, Florida. Within six months he was promoted to prep cook and apprentice.  In 1984 the Ferguson family started Golden Bakery Miami Inc. where he was put in charge of pastry and Jamaican patty production. While overseeing the bakery’s pastry department, he worked part time buying and selling commercial equipment and studying Art Glass Design.

Gariel returned to Jamaica at the age of 26 and started his first restaurant partnership, The Rib Kage Bar & Grill which featured a sixty-seat casual outdoor restaurant. The Rib Kage expanded its operations to two locations and employed over 80 persons, prior to closing its doors in 2011.  Ferguson, also a partner with the culinary doyen of the Caribbean, the late Norma Shirley in Norma’s at the Marina, Port Antonio and was named by Conde Nast traveler as one of the top 80 new restaurants opened in 2005 .  This operation offers both casual and upscale dining at its Beach Bar & Grill.

No stranger to charities Gariel has collaborated with chefs and caterers both locally and overseas on a wide range of charity food events.

Gariel and his wife Gillian are presently operating a food consultancy business to facilitate the wide range of restaurant services required by local and regional entrepreneurs.

AWARDS

Young Entrepreneur Award – Jamaica Observer Table Talk Awards (2001)

Conde Nast Traveler worldwide top 80 Restaurant openings for 2005- Norma’s at the Marina Pt Antonio.

Outstanding Food Event 2012 - G’s BBQ Pig Roast – Jamaica Observer Table Talk Awards

Jamaica Food & Drink Festival 2016 – Pork Palooza - Winner of the Top Hog title.