BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Barrington’s Jamaican Kitchen, a cherished culinary staple in Bakersfield, is set to close its doors on Ming Avenue after seven successful years due to financial difficulties.
Owner Barrington Lewis, who has been a beloved figure in the community, shared his journey from losing his job to pursuing his passion for cooking.
“I’ve always loved cooking, and so I got fired from the job that I had, and I decided I want to do something that I really, really, really love,” said Lewis. “I was literally cooking and just giving the food away, you know. And then people start saying, ‘Man, you need to open up a restaurant. Your food is really, really, really good.'”
Despite the restaurant’s popularity, Lewis faced financial challenges after the pandemic, including borrowing from predatory lenders.
“Before the pandemic, you know, everything was okay. And then after the pandemic, you know, I realized that I made some mistake, like borrowing money from predatory lenders who took advantage of, you know, that me that kind of person,” he said.
“And so I got into the hole really really bad, you know, which got me to where I am today.”
The community has expressed sadness over the closure, with residents leaving comments on social media such as “Best Jamaican food in Valley hands down” and “Change brings new opportunities…your amazing food and loyal customers will follow.”
Lewis noted the rising costs of food, saying, “99 cents a pound for chicken that I used to get now it’s 2.99. Yeah so inflation and whatever it is, it just when I try to keep my price the same.”
However, Lewis has found a new opportunity at an indoor swap meet on Brundage Lane, where he plans to open a larger, fully furnished location on April 1st.
“So I went over there and looked at the spot. I got really excited, you know. So I always think some everything happened for a reason, you know,” he said.
Lewis is committed to continuing his tradition of giving back to the community.
“At the end of the day at 8 o’clock at night, the homeless people around here know they can come get a free plate because I don’t throw food in the trash,” he said.
“I give because I know what it feels like to have nothing.”
Barrington’s current location will officially close on March 27th however, he is accepting donations to support his move to the new location that you can find on GoFundMe