Meet Tony O’Neil: The Man Behind Duluth's Jamrock Cultural Restaurant and Future Head Coach of Harbor Monsters

\'Faces of Duluth\' is a series that highlights the individuals who shape Duluth, a city known for its attractions. One such person is Tony O’Neil, the owner of Jamrock Cultural Restaurant in downtown Duluth. O’Neil introduces Caribbean cuisine to Duluth, using his grandmother’s recipes to create a community-oriented dining experience. He is also a football fan and will be the head coach for Duluth’s new arena football team, the Harbor Monsters, in 2024.

O’Neil relocated to Duluth after a shoulder surgery, a result of an injury from his professional football career. He established Jamrock Cultural Restaurant in memory of his grandmother, who passed away in 2020. Born in Miami and raised in Jamaica, O’Neil learned Caribbean cooking from his grandmother, a restaurant owner in Jamaica. He has been cooking since he was nine, and the dishes at Jamrock are reminiscent of his grandmother.

O’Neil selected downtown Duluth for his restaurant to diversify the city's food scene and introduce Caribbean culture. His menu features bold flavors, with jerk-seasoned dishes as a highlight. His favorite dish is Oxtails, which takes about six hours to prepare. O’Neil's goal is to replicate the experience of Caribbean cuisine for those familiar with it and introduce it to those who aren't.

O’Neil views food as a cultural experience that can unite people. At Jamrock, customers enjoy their meals and engage in lively conversations. Besides his restaurant, O’Neil anticipates a thrilling 2024 as the inaugural head coach of the Harbor Monsters. His love for football stems from his personal experience, as it taught him the value of time management and hard work.

In his leisure time, O’Neil spends time with his children and his football team. He values the community spirit in Duluth and is grateful for the opportunities he has received in the city. O’Neil is dedicated to giving back to the community through his restaurant and his role as a football coach.

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