A beloved Jamaican restaurant in Corryville that once appeared on the Food Network has closed.
Island Frydays owner Leo Morgan announced the closure on the restaurant’s website, with the restaurant’s last day in business being Tuesday, Dec. 17. Morgan cited the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason.
“As many know, the Covid pandemic hurt many small businesses, especially those in the food industry. While we found a way to survive, the economic impact across the nation caused food costs to soar, making it harder and harder to survive. After pouring everything we have into Island Frydays, a decision was made to end our journey. This decision was not made lightly, as we know it will impact those on our team,” Morgan shared.
Morgan said he had explored every option to keep the restaurant open, especially with the holidays being so close, but the business couldn’t be sustained. He added that he will still work to sell Island Frydays’ award-winning seasonings online and that he may post some of his recipes to social media in the future.
“To every person who has been part of our team since day one and to every guest who dined with us, you made this journey unforgettable, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life,” wrote Morgan.
Morgan, a former University of Cincinnati football captain, said the concept of Island Frydays started as a way for him to share the food of his home country, Jamaica, while at UC. He graduated from UC in 2006 and opened the restaurant on nearby Short Vine in 2009. The restaurant made a name for itself dishing out delicious Caribbean eats that packed a whole lot of flavor — so much so that it caught the attention of celebrity restaurateur Guy Fieri, who brought his show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, to Island Frydays in 2014.
Fieri tried and loved the Caribbean jerk chicken and the spicy snapper — two of Island Frydays’ most popular dishes. Morgan says after taping ended, he and Fieri stayed in touch and he now considers Fieri a mentor and friend.
Throughout its 15-year history, Island Frydays has also hosted other celebrities, including rapper and record executive Rick Ross and NFL team members who stopped by for a meal before game day.
“It’s been an honor to be part of such a great city, share my passion for great food, and have many memorable moments and connections with many of you,” Morgan wrote. “Hopefully, when you visited Island Frydays, we gave you a little taste of paradise. Until we meet again, I send you and your families much love.”
This article appears in Dec 11-24, 2024.
