Food entrepreneur opens Kira’s Cuisine in St James

A new food enterprise has opened in St James, with chef Shakira Drakes launching Kira’s Cuisine at Husbands Heights Park after nearly a decade in the culinary industry, marking a significant step into entrepreneurship on the same day as her daughter’s 21st birthday.

Speaking during Thursday’s opening ceremony, Drakes reflected on the determination, setbacks and encouragement that helped bring her vision to life. She said the launch also carried personal significance, as the business officially opened on her daughter’s 21st birthday.

From left – Nikwa Scantlebury, business owner Shakira Drakes and Sakarah Thomas. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)

“I’m very proud to say that I started my business yesterday on my daughter’s birthday,” she said. “I wanted to do something really amazing to reflect on my resilience, my humbleness and my art.”

Drakes’s culinary journey began nine years ago when she joined Open Kitchen, starting at the salad station before steadily climbing the ranks.

“I worked my way up to supervisor, then I went on to Sandy Lane as a commissary [chef], Pier One, Fusions Rooftop,” she recalled. “It was a long journey.”

Her most recent role in management, she explained, became the catalyst for pursuing business ownership.

“My last position as a manager really pushed me to be more than just a manager,” Drakes said. “I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I wanted to do this for myself and for my children, and my friends really pushed me to go that step.”

Securing a suitable location proved one of the greatest challenges in establishing the business. Drakes credited businessman Taahir Bulbulia, along with representatives from Barbados Trust Fund Ltd, for helping her secure the Husbands Heights Park spot after months of uncertainty.

She explained that in December she initially contacted Bulbulia after becoming interested in purchasing a food trailer but had no location from which to operate.

“My close friend Tonia from Barbados Trust Fund put me on to him,” Drakes said. “Since then he was looking for spots every week. We were still connected until one time it was like I gave up. I wanted to throw in the towel because it was very depressing.”

Despite her doubts, she said Bulbulia encouraged her not to quit.

“He was like: ‘No, just give me a second,’” she recounted. “He put down the phone, called back and said, ‘Kira, I get a spot for you.’ From there it was nothing but up.”

Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt

Kira’s Cuisine now offers a menu featuring chicken platters, tacos, fried fish platters, blackened fish platters, subs, wraps and a variety of other meals. Drakes also highlighted that the menu is certified halal.

The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm, while Friday and Saturday hours are 11.30 am  to 9.30 pm. It is closed on Sundays.

(SB)