As a popular Caribbean word, islanders say it all the time. 

And in American dialect, the word "diner" is a term that, much like "irie," Americans say all the time.

Meshing these two culturally common terms together, one man created what he calls his ultimate "American dream."

After immigrating to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago, Peter Jackson said he wanted to bring that Carribean culture with him, but also find a way to embrace his new home.

And so he did.

On Park Avenue, lies the Irie Diner, where Jackson said the community can get a taste of Caribbean culture, while also remaining true to who they are.

“I still felt that I wanted something that was indigenous to these here United States of America. So, when you pull irie and diner together, you meet Carribean comes to America,” Jackson said. “We now have a new home.”

As one that likes a challenge, Jackson was up for what was to come. In January 2017, Jackson and co-owner Marko Bell officially opened the diner to the public and became a staple for people in the community. 

Jackson said he prides himself in being one of the only authentic Caribbean restaurants in the area. He said what makes him different from others is the various flavors he provides to customers.

Jackson said the "Caribbean" is not made up of just one island. But a kaleidoscope of different tastes and experiences. His restaurant intends to showcase that. 

Incorporating various types of "made-from scratch" Caribbean cuisine, including dishes from Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Haiti, people who walk through the door are encapsulated by the experience.

Additionally, the restaurant also embraces sound, allowing diners to be completely immersed in the echoes of Carribean music.

“When you walk into this space, you get that sense because on some days you’re going to hear Puerto Rican music. And, then on other days you’re going to hear soca music and calypso music from Trinidad,” Jackson said. “And then on other days you’re going to hear reggae.”

The restaurant is also covered in Caribbean decor, utilizing colorful map-themed place mats that help give customers a sense of where exactly their dish comes from.

“A lot of people may not have known where Trinidad and Tobago is or where Jamaica is in relation to Trinidad. Or where Puerto Rico is in relation to Barbados,” Jackson said. “Or where all these different islands are in the context of Jacksonville.” 

From Jamaican style ox-tail and Trinidad and Tobago curry chicken to Bahamian conch fritters and Guyana curry goat, customers get a variety of cultural dishes to choose from. The diner is a place for all things Caribbean. 

 He said he wanted to bring the experience to the county because of the much needed representation. For far too long, he said all that was offered to the general public was pockets of island food, lacking a broad variety.

After doing some unofficial polls he came across a lot of locals who longed for true Carribean food.

“The community loves Carribean food. A lot of the community has been former military and active military veterans,” Jackson said. “And they would’ve spent a lot of time overseas or working among Caribbean people. So, they are familiar with the taste.” 

Being in the restaurant business was not a part of Jackson’s initial plans. Having a background in finance and sales, Jackson said coming into the world was a jolt from what he was used to. But his love for people only drew him closer.

He and Bell, who is also the executive chef, decided to take their passion and love for others and turn it into something much bigger. 

As a Jamaican immigrant, Bell has been working in the culinary field for three decades.

Jackson said that he and Bell met by chance as neighbors and the idea for a restaurant came organically. But, not without blood, sweat, tears and what they say "bones."

Jackson said the two did most of the work themselves to save on cost, taking them six months to get the entire space ready. 

With the space having been vacant for three years, Jackson said the necessary work was started from scratch, but with the support of the community they made it happen. 

“I would say initially we had the…support of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce,” Jackson said. “They were our biggest advocates. The very first day that we opened, they had 26 guests come in and join us for lunch.”

The additional support of loyal customers is what Jackson said has also kept the restaurant going. From the time they walk through the door, Jackson said he takes pride in seeing them get the full Irie Diner experience. 

“You see a lot of people chair dancing. Not only that they're doing their happy dance for food, but the music gets them going as well,” Jackson said. 

Celia Tomlinson has been a loyal customer since the restaurant first opened. As a connoisseur of good food, Tomlinson said she knows how to pick out the best of the best. And she said Irie Diner is one of them.

She said the entire atmosphere is just different, making her feel like she just came off of a cruise. 

“From the time you come out of your car, you hear the music. He has music playing,” Tomlinson said. “You can see the palm trees…and when you're stepping in, you really don’t feel like you’re in Clay County.”

For seven years, Jackson said the diner has beat the odds that other restaurants unfortunately succumb to.

“While we are not out of harm's way, not by a long shot…the fact that we have made seven years and counting is enough to give God thanks for,” Jackson said.

For the future of the restaurant, Jackson said he hopes to eventually expand, opening other branches in other parts of town and even other counties. 

“We would like to open other branches, but again it is all about getting us to that point. That point where we feel confident that this particular location can hold its own.” 

Jackson said he has contemplated opening some food trucks to help reach other communities, as well. 

But for now, Jackson and Bell will keep serving the community they're in, each saying that their families are their motivators. 

And with their staff, hard work, and loyal customers, Jackson said they will continue to live up to their name — as the diner where everything is "irie."