Dejaneé Ramsay opens new café

Dejaneé Ramsay believed she was making big moves when she created a beverage business for her church. That vision, however, didn’t bear fruit. Serendipity stepped in when her children coincidentally created a lemonade stand with a similar name, inspiring Ramsay to return to the drawing board and launch Sips Café.

After putting forward a proposal to the management team of the company where she works, Ramsay got the approval to start the business. And the café, located at 17 Dominica Drive, officially opened its doors in March of this year. 

“For a few months, when I’d go to work, I would be very hungry because the options were limited. It was either a choice between heavy box food with rice and peas and fried chicken or junk food. I’m a very picky eater, and I don’t eat a lot," she told Food. 

She wanted to make a difference in the way we consume meals during work hours by providing options that are light yet filling by nature. “We really wanted to provide a variety [of options] outside of the norms of what the surrounding restaurants offer.”

The menu offerings so far have successfully enticed many palates in and around the New Kingston area.

The savoury line-up includes porridges, as well as breakfast options, such as omelettes, scrambled eggs, French toast, pancakes and bacon. There are also soups like chicken, red peas with beef and mannish water. 

“We also have chicken and fish wraps, our famous chicken Alfredo, and chicken quesadilla. Naturally, we have smoothies, green juice and other juices like strawberry, lemonade, blue raspberry, milkshakes and hot beverages like coffee and hot chocolate,” she said. She went one step further to match the menu with an uber-chic black and white decor for dine-in customers.

Looking back, she reflected on how her sipping journey came full circle. Ramsay explained. “Eight years ago, I thought it would be a good idea to sell some lemonade and refreshing drinks at church. I wanted to call it Sips, since it's beverage-related stuff. It didn't pan out, and so, the dream died.” 

Little did she know that her offspring would be the ones to re-ignite this entrepreneurial spark. Three years ago, they made a lemonade stand during the summer. “I encouraged it, and my heart melted when they created a little stand,” the proud mom said. What she didn’t see coming was the innovative business name that includes the keyword sip in the mix.  

And just like that, the sip dream was brought back to life. “The customer base was much greater than we had anticipated. So, we have to restock quickly.”

Juggling a nine-to-five with a business, while having an active family life, is no easy feat. But she is grateful for the support of her loved ones. “I have the support from my partner, who helps with the day-to-day operation. And after I finish my nine-to-five, I will analyse data at night, looking at order trends, so we can restock and plan accordingly.”

With the café taking two years to open from inception, entrepreneurship has taught Ramsay to stay the course and persevere, despite the challenges. It is a lesson that she has applied to other areas of her life.

Going forward, the plan is to expand her meal offerings and eventually expand her business to other locations. “My hope is for Sips to be at multiple locations, offer a delivery service and add other menu items, like our take on a Philly cheesesteak and chicken steak.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com