"Never thought I’d see myself writing this." Greater Manchester Caribbean restaurant announces closure

A popular Caribbean restaurant in Denton has announced its closure. Abbie Owens, owner of Fo'eva Jerk, took to social media to let customers know that 2025 will be the company's final year trading.

Abbie went into the food business after leaving her day job as dental nurse to open a Caribbean restaurant called Jerk Stop. She had started cooking during lockdown to help cope with her mental health.

The mum set up The Jerk Stop after using her last £15 to buy ingredients for a meal which she then sold to a friend. In 2023, she had to change locations of her store and moved to Walker Street, rebranding as Fo'eva Jerk.

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After four and a half years of trading in the industry, Abbie says it is time to hang up her apron after a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' presented itself in dentistry.

In a post to her customers, Abbie said: "Never thought I’d see myself writing this post, I’m crying writing it but life moves and we can’t stop. I started cooking Caribbean food during lockdown in 2020, as a way to deal with mental health.

"With £15 to my name, what a journey it’s been 4 1/2 years later I haven’t been the luckiest with buildings. I might not have a shop but I never gave up despite the problems thrown at me.

"What I did do along the way was laugh, cry and learn a lot about myself and meet some amazing down to earth people. Some of you have become friends, for that I’ll be Fo’eva grateful.

"A once in a lifetime opportunity has been given to me to further my career in dentistry. So for now I’m closing this chapter and looking forward too.

"Moving forward in 2025 with my career and a work life balance, spending more time with my family