Miramar, Florida. (WSVN) – Thieves have left a bad impression on two South Florida business owners who say their source of livelihood has been taken away.
Speaking to 7News on Monday, Go Jerk owners Christopher Crooks and Xavian Mckenzie said someone had stolen his catering company’s food truck in Miramar on December 3.
To make matters worse, the truck full of equipment was stolen less than a month before it was ready to run for the first time, McKenzie said.
“It set us back in a big way,” he said.
Getting to this point has been a long and arduous road for Crooks and his business partners from Portland, Jamaica.
Crooks and Mckenzie say they started Go Jerk in 2019 out of a desire to share authentic Jamaican food with the people of South Florida.
“We’re trying to keep our culture alive, and it’s a big platform for us to showcase our talents, our culture and our food,” Crooks said.
Mckenzie said they started small and continued to grow. In July, they took another big step in building their business.
“We got our chance. We saved enough money to buy a truck and this happened,” he said.
Crooks and Mckenzie said the truck was taken from the 6300 block of Pembroke Road, where they parked next to a friend’s business.
The business owner said the perpetrators cut the lock and towed the truck away.
“You’re not just hurting us, you’re hurting the entire sport,” Crooks said.
This is a major setback for the mission of the Go Jerk owners to share their love of Jamaican food and culture.
Now they want thieves to hear their story and change their minds.
“It’s not just about losing a food truck, so I hope they keep some humanity and at least put it where someone can find it,” Crooks said.
The owner of Go Jerk has started a GoFundMe page. If you would like to donate, please click here.
Miramar police are investigating the theft.
If you have any information that can help detectives, please contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for rewards of up to $5,000.
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