Ayahso Nice

New Jamaican joint is oh so comforting in tough times

We the People
By Tabitha Ervin
Of Fort Wayne Ink Spot

Ayahso Nice, located at 5921 Hessen Cassel Road and owned by Anitra Woodson and her Jamaican-born husband, Marr Brown, boasts delicious Jamaican food. I sampled some of the cuisine with Ink Spot’s marketing and circulation director, Andrea Thomas, while interviewing Woodson about the couple’s journey to restaurant ownership.

Woodson met Brown in 2013 in Fort Wayne and she relished the Jamaican dishes he cooked for her. He dreamed of opening a restaurant but they didn’t start exploring locations and the loan process until 2018. They opened in February 2020, right before the pandemic, and have been slow but steady since then, at first

offering carryout only and now fully operational with dine-in service.

In addition to three staffers and lots of family support, Brown hired a chef from Jamaica to make sure the flavor and traditions of their country remain infused in the food and service. The menu boasts Jamaican favorites such as Jerk Chicken, Curry Chicken, Curry Goat, Oxtails and Sweet Plantains, Steamed Cabbage, and Rice and Beans. As a vegetarian I enjoyed those sides, as well as the mac and cheese made by Woodson. (There are a few classic American soul food items on the menu as well.)

Getting the restaurant up and running was not easy nor without complications, but the couple has had tremendous family support in upgrading the building and keeping current with inspections and permits.

Consistency is helping them get through the process, said Woodson. They advertise via Facebook and by word of mouth. They will soon have a customer appreciation day, and they have a new ice cream shop in mind located in the back of their building.

Woodson said they will always follow their dreams and be open to new opportunities.

Ayahso Nice also caters and can accommodate any size event.