Ras Caribbean Kitchen brings Jamaican cuisine to Sebring | Highlands News-Sun

On Aug 2, 2026

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After years of dreaming about this venture — and decades spent building a life, learning and growing in the United States — Greg Elliott decided to take one of the most important steps of his life: launching a new business alongside his family and friends.

He opened his first restaurant, Ras Caribbean Kitchen, a spot designed to share the authentic cuisine of his native Jamaica. Caribbean cooking is known for its distinctive, bold flavors and its ability to elevate every dish — qualities that are certainly present in this new restaurant.

The grand opening took place on July 16 at 3750 U.S. 27 N. in Sebring. It drew people from all over who were eager to check out the restaurant and taste traditional Jamaican flavors; the response was so overwhelming that the menu sold out within just a few hours.

“I love cooking. Everyone in our family cooks. In April of this year, I was walking through the plaza and saw the space; I immediately called my friend, and we checked on its availability,” Elliott said.

Elliott moved from New York to Highlands County in 2003 and has worked hard to pursue his dreams ever since. While this is his first restaurant, he previously opened Randy’s Smart Installation LLC in 2023, which gave him valuable experience in running a business.

“It’s been a huge change, but my family and friends have been with me every step of the way. We had to renew the floors, paint, decorate, find suppliers and handle all the other details that go into running a business,” Elliott said.

According to Elliott, the word “Ras” is a title used in Jamaica for people who follow the Rastafari movement. Even if someone doesn’t know a person’s name, they might use “Ras” which is a term that fosters a friendly feeling among locals because it is deeply tied to Jamaican identity and culture. For Elliott, incorporating the word into his business name held great significance.

“Caribbean cuisine is incredibly flavorful wherever you find it, which is why we included it in the business’s name,” Elliott said. This restaurant aims to bring a taste of Jamaican culture to the community, serving as a gathering place for all Caribbean people and others wishing to experience its distinctive flavors.

It is a flavor experienced daily in their own homes; “planning the menu was very simple because all the dishes we added are ones we cook at home every day, so it felt natural,” Elliott said.

The menu features a wide variety of traditional dishes prepared by Chef Marvin Kirlew, a Jamaica native and close friend of Elliott. Menu items include fried chicken, curry chicken, curry goat, jerk pork, brown stew pork, fish, shrimp, curry crab legs, soups and one of the most popular choices: curry lobster.

Each dish comes with sides, and the restaurant also offers a $9.99 lunch special from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

For Elliott, this restaurant represents an opportunity to grow and share the unique, traditional flavors and hospitality that have shaped his life with the Highlands County community.

“This is my first time visiting this restaurant; I saw it on social media and had to come because my husband is from Jamaica and he really enjoys traditional flavors, so I hope he likes it,” said Deshawndra Vassel, a Sebring resident.

“I was looking for authentic Jamaican flavor, and this restaurant is close to my home, so it’s convenient,” said Shana Williams, a Sebring resident.

Ras Caribbean Kitchen is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Those wishing to contact the restaurant can call 863-304-8285.

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