Mexibbean Island Grill Coming to North Huntsville

“Everything is irie mon.”

In fact, something delightful is coming soon to the north side of town and it promises to be a tropical staycation for the taste buds. 

Next month, restaurateur John C. Baker and his wife Shanice are opening their unique Mexican-Caribbean fusion dining experience in Huntsville’s Lincoln Mill Village area. 

At the corner of Oakwood Avenue and Meridian Street in the former Granville’s BBQ building, Mexibbean Island Grill will also be sharing the building with Krab Kings, another restaurant that will be opening soon.

Mexibbean Island Grill’s concept is “fast casual on island time,” Baker said.

The restaurant’s ambiance and décor promise a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, providing patrons with the sense of an island getaway – all without leaving town.  Adding to that “irie” vibe, the full-service bar will feature plenty of ice cold Jamaican Red Stripe beer along with an assortment of rum- and tequila-infused tropical cocktails. 

For the uninitiated, “irie” is used chiefly in Jamaican English and means nice, good, or pleasing (used as a general term of approval). For example, “the place is jumping with irie vibes.”

There will also be counter service and a small indoor dining area. Other dining options include curbside to-go and delivery.

Baker believes that Huntsville is ready for the diverse and authentic fare that Mexibbean Island Grill has to offer. After spending over 35 years as a trained chef working in the industry, the Huntsville native is no stranger to the restaurant world. Baker has worked in a variety of restaurants across the United States and beyond.

Beginning with his first restaurant in the late 1980s, Baker has also been a successful restaurateur. First, with the Texican Taco Company in Huntsville, then later opening Texas Taco and Chili Company and Caribbean CookHouse in Birmingham in the early 90s. 

Baker plans to combine his Mexican-inspired fare with the Island influence of the Caribbean, bringing to the Mexibbean Island Grill a host of different menu items. 

Many of the Mexibbean Island Grill’s menu items are inspired by Baker’s wife and her Jamaican heritage. The couple met while Baker was traveling on his culinary adventures, which took him from the coast of East Africa to the streets of Kingston, Jamaica. Together, they bring their passion for island food to the Rocket City. 

Baker earned his degree in hospitality management from Florida International University. In addition to being a trained chef, Baker has practiced law for more than a decade and plans to continue doing so after the launch of the restaurant. 

Mexibbean Island Grill is a restaurant that has a higher purpose, he said. To that end, the Bakers plan to spread positivity through good food, good vibes, and giving back to the local community, as well as the global community. They support local and world-wide organizations, in addition to “Barrels of Love,” their own charitable start-up. 

The Bakers said they are excited to be part of the Lincoln Mill Village area redevelopment and newly rebranded Lincoln Mill Shopping Center. 

“In a sea of generic homogenized dining options, we believe many patrons still crave the creativity and passion that the independent restaurateur has to offer,” said Baker. “We feel that there needs to be more places that bring people of diverse backgrounds together.”