Caribbean Queen Jerk Group Expands with CQ Banquet Hall in Toronto

TORONTO – A vibrant new chapter has begun for the Caribbean Queen Jerk Group of Companies, as CEO Courtney Grant proudly unveiled the CQ Banquet Hall and Event Centre in northwest Toronto. This grand opening, celebrated on May 2, marks a significant milestone for Grant, a St. Thomas, Jamaica native who immigrated to Canada in 1998.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were treated to a delightful five-course dining experience, showcasing a fusion menu that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Caribbean. “Food is my passion, and I love to feed people,” Grant shared, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “When I decided to transition from just a take-out restaurant, I said, ‘I want to have a fine dining restaurant.’” His ambition is clear: to be “the first black Jamaican in Canada to do a fine dine, sit-down meal.”

A Space for Every Occasion

The CQ Banquet Hall is designed to cater to a variety of events. With a seating capacity of 120, the main hall features a dance floor and a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, perfect for weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings. There’s also a lounge and bar in Hall 2, with plans for a third hall to accommodate even more guests. Grant emphasized the importance of a trained hospitality team, ensuring that every event is executed flawlessly.

From Soldier to Chef

Grant’s journey to culinary success is nothing short of inspiring. After serving as a soldier in Jamaica, he moved to Canada and initially worked in a Campbell’s soup factory before transitioning to trucking. “I owned 10 trucks at one point,” he recalled. However, the call of the kitchen was too strong to resist. “Just out of the blue, I bought a restaurant at Finch and Weston roads,” he said, reflecting on the moment that changed his life.

If he had known he would become a chef, Grant joked that he might have chosen a cooking course in the army instead of training recruits. His passion for food has since blossomed into a thriving business, with five restaurants and a catering service under his belt.

Giving Back to the Community

Grant’s commitment to his community is evident in his generous spirit. A simple act of kindness towards a student in his restaurant led to a surprise order for 100 meals from Emery Collegiate Institute. The school’s vice-principal, witnessing the exchange, decided to support Grant’s business, opening doors to other schools in the area.

For the past three years, Caribbean Queen has provided 250 meals daily to local students, with some days reaching up to 500 meals. These nutritious meals are sold to schools at a discount, ensuring that students have access to healthy food.

Community Support and Recognition

Kurt Davis, Jamaica’s consul general in Toronto, praised Grant for his vision and dedication. “This CQ Banquet Hall is more than just a space; it is a celebration of community, culture, and connection,” he said. Davis encouraged attendees to support the new venue, highlighting Grant as “a shining example of goodness in the community.”

David Betty, president of the Jamaican Canadian Association, provided an economic perspective, noting that small businesses like Grant’s are vital to Canada’s economy. “They account for 99.8 percent of all businesses in Canada,” he stated, emphasizing their significant contribution to the labor force and GDP.

As the CQ Banquet Hall opens its doors, it stands as a testament to Grant’s hard work and dedication. What will the future hold for this vibrant new space in the heart of Toronto? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the community is ready to celebrate.