One of the long simmering issues with the "Independent" Jerk barrel vendors is the lack of hygiene available to the cook and customers.
Simply having the cook and food prep vendors able to wash their hands adequately has always been an issue for the safety of the customers. Almost all established restaurants are REQUIRED to have these facilities available. This adds additional cost to the restaurants that the "Independents" haven't had to bear. Check out Best in the West vs any Jerk Barrel on the beach road.

Ukran1ans and other comments are spot on regarding location. My daily walks up and down Norman Manley Blvd this April took me past several VACANT properties closer to the Boutique Hotels.

I have frequented many Jerk Barrels over the years, but as I get older, I'm more concerned about hygiene. Maybe it is time to put the "Independents" on the same playing field as the established restaurants.

Enjoy,

VVHT