Women We #COSIGN: Marsha Telfer, Co-Founder of Reggae JerkHut

Marsha Telfer is the definition of a modern-day powerhouse. As a mother of four, a real estate investor, a legal professional, and the co-founder of the award-winning Reggae Jerk Hut, she embodies ambition, resilience, and cultural pride. With a deep passion for sharing the rich flavors of Jamaican and Haitian cuisine, Marsha has built a restaurant that goes beyond food—it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and perseverance. We sat down with her to discuss her journey, the lessons she’s learned as an entrepreneur, and how she’s inspiring other women to chase their dreams.

Reggae Jerk Hut has been recognized as a Top 10 Black-owned restaurant in North Texas. What does this recognition mean to you, and how has it shaped your journey as an entrepreneur in Dallas?

“Being recognized as a Top 10 Black-owned restaurant in North Texas means everything to me and my team. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication we’ve put into creating not just a restaurant, but a community hub where people can come together and celebrate culture through food. This recognition has encouraged us to push further, to think bigger, and to work even harder to bring the flavors and traditions of Jamaica and Haiti to a wider audience. It’s incredibly humbling, but it also motivates me to continue growing and expanding the impact of Reggae Jerk Hut in Dallas and beyond.

With the recent launch of your daily breakfast menu, what inspired you to expand beyond your already popular brunch offerings, and how has the community responded so far?

“Our breakfast menu launch was inspired by the overwhelming demand from our loyal customers. For months, people have been asking if we could offer our delicious dishes for breakfast, and we listened. We wanted to bring a taste of the Caribbean to every part of the day. Dishes like our jerk fried chicken and waffles, oxtail scramble, and oxtail and grits have been incredibly well received, and the feedback from the community has been heartwarming. Our customers are excited to start their day with us, and we’re thrilled to offer them something unique and flavorful to fuel their mornings.”

As a Real Estate Investor, Legal Professional, and now a co-founder of a successful restaurant, how have your professional experiences influenced your approach to building and growing Reggae Jerk Hut?

“My background in real estate and law has definitely shaped how I approach the restaurant business. From the legal side, I understand the importance of contracts, compliance, and risk management. From real estate, I learned about the value of location and the importance of building a strong foundation. But most importantly, my experiences have taught me resilience. Owning a restaurant is no easy feat, and I’ve learned to adapt quickly, be resourceful, and pivot when necessary. These skills have helped me grow Reggae Jerk Hut from a small idea to a thriving business, and I’m excited to continue learning as we expand.”

Reggae Jerk Hut is a celebration of Jamaican and Haitian culture through food. How important is it to you to preserve and share these cultural traditions with your customers?

“It’s incredibly important to me. Jamaican and Haitian cultures are rich with history, passion, and a deep love for family and community. I want Reggae Jerk Hut to be more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where we can share the heart of our cultures with the world. Food is such a powerful tool for connection, and I feel honored to be able to offer a space where people can experience the flavors, music, and traditions that have shaped my life. Preserving and celebrating these cultures through food not only honors my heritage, but also introduces others to the beauty of the Caribbean.”

What advice would you give to other Black entrepreneurs in Dallas who are looking to turn their dreams into thriving businesses like yours?

“My advice is to stay committed to your vision, no matter how tough the journey gets. Entrepreneurship is full of challenges, but it’s also the most rewarding thing you can do. Surround yourself with a strong support system, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and always be willing to learn. The road to success isn’t linear, but perseverance, passion, and authenticity are what will get you there. And never underestimate the power of community—people want to support businesses that feel real, relatable, and rooted in something meaningful.”

Visit the official website: reggaejerkhutdfw.com

Follow Reggae Jerk Hut on Instagram: instagram.com/reggaejerkhut

Follow Marsha Telfer on Instagram: instagram.com/iammarshatelfer

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COSIGN is an award-winning, vertically integrated media network and community platform for entrepreneurs. We connect brands to communities and communities to resources through content, events, experiences, and education.

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