about us
About Jammin Island BBQ
Jammin Island BBQ is a subsidiary of Antillian Trading Company, which began its sports arena ventures in 2009 in the DMV area, providing food services with a tropical, cultured and exotic twist. Former vending locations include DC United (seasons 2009-2016), Baltimore Ravens (season 2011), Washington Commanders (seasons 2010-2015) and the Washington Nationals (seasons 2011-2018).
Jammin’ Island notably brought Washington DC sports concessions to the next level by offering select West Indian and Latino Cuisine to ballpark patrons. Our trademark Jammin’ Jerk Sauce which is used to marinate our signature jerk chicken, pork ribs and burgers has become a fan favorite. THE SECRET IS IN THE SAUCE!
Facts about the Company
Jammin’ Island BBQ’s parent company, Antillian Trading Company was conceived in 1993 while on an extended stay in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The company’s first venture was entertaining visiting hotel patrons and local residents who had limited or no organized activities within the beach area. “Spike” parties were arranged to engage them in fun, amusement and “spiked” punch. These parties were based on organized beach volleyball matches accompanied with sales of delicious BBQ Food and beverages. This concept was an instant success and the efforts attracted the attention of local hoteliers who commissioned more “Spike” parties for their respective patrons. US operations were initiated in 1994 by securing various catering contracts for Chris Blackwell’s Island Trading Company in Miami, Florida. In 2009, it started vending island food selections at the DC United stadium, and eventually taken some other sports arena opportunities until 2018.
Jammin’ Island BBQ’s roots trace back to 1993, when Antillian Trading Company was founded in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Initially, the company hosted ‘Spike’ parties, offering beach volleyball, BBQ, and refreshments to hotel patrons and locals. This concept quickly gained popularity, attracting the attention of hoteliers who commissioned more events. In 1994, US operations began with catering contracts for Island Trading Company in Miami. Later, Jammin’ Island BBQ was born, founded by husband-wife team David and Sheilah James, who drew inspiration from their island heritage and culinary experiences. After successful stints at DC United and Washington Nationals stadiums (2009-2018), the team expanded to a food truck operation in 2017 and later added catering services, delivering hot and chilled meals to homes and offices in Arlington, VA, and beyond.
Facts about the Company
David, born in Hamilton, Canada, to Jamaican parents, brings a rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary expertise to Jammin’ Island BBQ. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in International Business, David has honed his skills in the food and beverage industry through various entrepreneurial ventures and roles at esteemed establishments such as Houston’s, Benihana’s, Ortanique, Piola, Club Med, Sodexo, and Levy Restaurants. Notably, he played a key role in the successful launch and management of the Lexus President’s Club during the 2008 Inaugural Season at Washington Nationals Ballpark.
Chef Sheilah Orillo-James, a native of Southern Leyte, Philippines, brings a rich culinary heritage to Jammin’ Island BBQ. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Leyte Normal University and taught Culinary Arts for 10 years at the College of Maasin. Under her mother’s guidance, she developed a passion for cooking at a young age, selling dishes to family, friends, and locals. After immigrating to the US in 2009, she honed her skills at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pentagon City, which significantly influenced her cooking style and techniques. Combining her family and cultural influences, educational background, and diverse work experiences, Chef Sheilah created Jammin’ Island BBQ’s signature sauces and dishes, showcasing her unique culinary expertise.
our mission
Jammin’ Island BBQ’s mission is to consistently provide a high quality product backed by outstanding customer service.
meet the team
David James
David James was born in Hamilton, Canada with Jamaican heritage. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University (International Business, BA), David has an extensive F&B background garnered from various entrepreneurial endeavors. David’s has worked with restaurants such as Houston’s, Benihana’s, Ortanique, Piola, Club Med, Sodexo and Levy Restaurants. David is reputable for successfully opening and managing the Lexus President’s Club during the 2008 inaugural season at the Washington National’s Ballpark.
Chef Sheilah
Chef Sheilah O. James was born in the Southern Leyte, Philippines and is a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management at The Leyte Normal University in Tacloban. After 10 years of teaching Culinary Arts at the College of Maasin, Philippines. It was Sheilah’s experience with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Washington DC that has most in uenced her cooking style and technique used to create the Jammin’ Island’s trade sauces and prepared foods.