• News

by Kandiss Edwards

June 5, 2025

Black Baby Names Frequently Challenge State Naming Regulations

While citizens do enjoy many individual freedoms there are a few that are not without condition. Naming a baby is one of them.

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The federal government has no official law governing the naming of children, but many states do. Here are a few common limitations in naming throughout the states: numerals, symbols, offensive language, or those resembling official titles.

 While American citizens do enjoy many individual freedoms, there are a few that are not without condition. Naming a baby is one of them. USA Today explored the different names and regulations that hinder Americans from embracing their full creativity when naming children.

These limitations aim to ensure clarity in official records and protect children from potential harm or ridicule. Though you may find a “King,” “Queen,” or “Majesty” on an elementary school roster, these names are banned in multiple states as they connote regality. 

Furthermore, the use of symbols is also frowned upon and sometimes rejected by state governments. Using numbers or symbols like “III” or “@” is a no-go. Symbols may not process through all databases, presenting a technological issue for any child bearing the name.

The final reason for refusal is offensive language. Expletives or blasphemous names such as “Adolph Hitler” and ‘Jesus Christ” have been majorly banned across the board.

Around the world, countries have banned many names, some for obvious reasons, while others would appear to some as harmless.

• Sarah (Morocco)
• Osama bin Laden (Germany)
• Metallica (Sweden)
• Cyanide (United Kingdom)
• 007 (Malaysia)
• BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCKSSQLBB11116 (Sweden)
• Prince William (France)
• Quran (China)
• Judas (Switzerland)
• Blue (Italy)

While “BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCKSSQLBB11116” may be difficult to pronounce, even phonetically spelled names are often mispronounced or frowned upon. Especially when it comes to Black names.

Black Naming Traditions

The patrolling of naming is not a new American invention. Control over the identity of others by authority has existed within the Black community since slavery. Thus, Black people have developed a deep culture of exploration in naming traditions.

Enslaved Black people were often stripped of the names given at birth. Due to their African origins, these names may have been foreign in nature. As a result, anglicized names were given by enslavers, helping to aid in the erasure of Black Americans’ African heritage. 

Post-emancipation is when the formerly enslaved began to choose their own monikers. Names were taken from various sources, prominent leaders of the day, occupations, and sometimes names of previous enslavers.

During the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, a shift in naming traditions took place. Along with liberation from Jim Crow, Black people sought out connection with their lost homelands. Names with an “Afrocentric” sound began to become popular. Breaking away from conventional names signaled pride in being Black for many, according to the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

To stand up and identify oneself as Black by the late 1960s and onward was an act of defiance against a history that debased blackness. It was also an affirmation that an oppressed people could seize the power of self-definition. They could declare to the world who they were or at least “hoped to be.” The study continues, “adoption of Afrocentric names—would become important markers of these new values and cultural assumptions.

Today, Black naming traditions continue to evolve, blending historical influences with contemporary creativity. These names often carry deep personal and cultural significance, serving as powerful affirmations of identity and heritage in a society that has historically sought to suppress them.

RELATED CONTENT: Harvard University Agrees To Return Early Slave Pictures To South Carolina African-American Museum IAMM

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

June 5, 2025

Russell Simmons Sues HBO For Defamation Over Documentary, Wants $20M

Russell Simmons claims the HBO documentary "On the Record" suppressed information that supported his innocence.

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Russell Simmons is suing the creators of the On the Record documentary for $20 million, alleging defamation against HBO and the documentary’s directors, Amy Ziering, and Kirby Dick, due to his portrayal in the film, which delves into the former Def Jam CEO’s multiple sexual assault allegations.

“Despite voluminous support for Mr. Simmons in the form of credible information, persuasive evidence, witness statements, and calls for further investigation by notable members of the media, politics, and the civil rights movement, the defendants simply disregarded and released and continue to re-release globally, a film that tremendously disparaged and damaged Mr. Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies,” attorneys Imran Ansari and co-counsel Carla DiMare said in a written statement, according to Variety.

Released in 2020, On the Record features multiple women who have accused the mogul of sexual harassment, rape and sexual misconduct. Dick, Ziering, and HBO refute claims that Simmons was ignored in the creation process. 

Representatives for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent company of HBO, stated, “We dispute Mr. Simmons’ allegations, stand by the filmmakers and their process, and will vigorously defend ourselves against these unfounded allegations.” 

Ziering also defended the project’s credibility. “We always do a very rigorous process of vetting.”

There is a one-year statute of limitations on Simmons’s lawsuit, which has passed. However, in the filing, Simmons claims the rereleases of the documentary have continued to smear his reputation and thus falls within the one-year window.

He wants $20 million in compensation. A jury has yet to decide if featuring the claims of Simmons’ victims was harmful. Yet, Simmons has kept himself and these claims in the headlines in recent years. 

In October 2024, Sil Lai Abrams, Sherri Abernathy, and Wendy Carolina Franco filed for “confessions of judgment” in the New York County Supreme Court. The request was filed after Simmons agreed to a financial settlement for each woman and failed to render payment. In the initial settlement, Simmons pledged to pay $1,265,000 each to Abrams and Abernathy, and $515,000 to Franco. 

The reason for each woman’s settlement has not been made public. However, Simmons’ failure to pay fueled speculation. Furthermore, the re-emergence of the settlement brought attention to the claims previously made by Abrams, Abernathy, and Franco. 

As HBO has no intention of settling with Simmons, the case will move forward in federal court.

RELATED CONTENT: Russell Simmons Wants Black People To Remember What He Has Done For The Community

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Kandiss Edwards

June 5, 2025

‘Sesame Street’ Celebrates Pride And Is Accused Of Grooming By Republicans

The attack on Sesame Street continues as far-right wing supporters and politicians accuse the show of grooming due to inclusive post. 

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The attack on Sesame Street continues as far-right supporters and politicians accuse the show of grooming, due to inclusive posts. 

Sesame Street‘s official account on X celebrated pride month with an inclusive post. The post emphasized tolerance and community building. The post did not speak with profanities nor raise the topic of sexual identity. Yet, many have taken offense to the inclusion of “Happy #PrideMonth!” in the caption.

The post read: “On our street, everyone is welcome. Together, let’s build a world where every person and family feels loved and respected for who they are. Happy #PrideMonth!”

Many comments under the post accuse the company of grooming children while others question the presence of “gay sex” in a children’s program. Attacks on the children’s show are not new. The Trump administration has made it a priority to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a media entity that, according to Trump, supports “fake news.” As the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) is under the umbrella of the CPB and PBS host Sesame Street, ire from right-wing Trump supporters has grown for the nearly 60-year-old program.

The CPB receives the bulk of its funding through the government via Congress. Though the president has no regular power over the fiscal decisions of the governing body, he has found a loophole. On June 3, the Government Executive reported on the Trump administration’s plans to submit a spending cuts proposal or “recissions” to the Republican-controlled Congress. The administration is requesting a $1.1 billion dollar budget cut. 

Approval of the cuts requires a simple majority. Thus, allowing the administration to legally defund the public service. Trump has attempted to strip funds from the organization via executive order prior to this tactic. As the legal authority does not lie within his purview, the administration was hit with a lawsuit by PBS Minnesota.

“Congress took pains to ensure that the development of public television would be free from political interference, including with respect to content and funding decisions,” the suit states.

Furthermore, the company denounced attempts from the government to pull funding based on content like Sesame Street.

“PBS disputes those charged assertions in the strongest possible terms,” the lawsuit states. “But regardless of any policy disagreements over the role of public television, our Constitution and laws forbid the President from serving as the arbiter of the content of PBS’s programming, including by attempting to defund PBS.”

The fate of PBS and other public broadcasting entities has yet to be decided, though the attacks and claims of “woke” bias continue. 

RELATED CONTENT:  ‘Sunny Days’ Are Ahead For ‘Sesame Street’ At Its Second Home On At Netflix

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 5, 2025

Several American NBA Players May Play For Jamaica’s Basketball Team

Discussions are currently taking place for the Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes, the Detroit Pistons' Isaiah Stewart, and the San Antonio Spurs' Devin Vassell to join the Jamaican team

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The Jamaica Basketball Association is reportedly trying to recruit three NBA players to join them for an upcoming international tournament this summer.

According to The New York Carib News, conversations are currently taking place for the Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes, the Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart, and the San Antonio Spurs’ Devin Vassell to compete for the Jamaican team in the FIBA World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers happening in August. All respective players have Jamaican fathers, which makes them eligible to play for the country in international competitions.

JABA President Paulton Gordon seems excited about the possibility of the three men being a part of the team. He feels their presence gives them a better chance against the competition.

“We’re building a team that can compete at the highest level, and having players like Scottie, Isaiah, and Devin would be transformative,” said Gordon.

The team already has two other NBA players on the roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Americas competition in August: the Los Angeles Clippers’ Norman Powell and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Minott.

There are two other players who may be on the verge of joining the Jamaican basketball team.

Twins Amen (Houston Rockets) and Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons), whose father is from Jamaica, are currently in the process of obtaining their citizenship papers from Jamaica. They have expressed that they may be interested in playing for the country’s basketball squad.

BREAKING: @HoustonRockets All-Defensive First Team star Amen Thompson & Ausar Thompson of the @DetroitPistons are open to represent 🇯🇲 in future FIBA competitions & possibly the Olympics.

The twin brothers, whose father is Jamaican, have begun the citizenship process. pic.twitter.com/9POYM5XKNR

— Daniel Blake (@DannyBeegie) May 25, 2025

The Jamaica Basketball Association is hoping that with this infusion of athletic talent available to them, they will get the chance to compete in the next Olympic competition.

RELATED CONTENT: NBA Hall Of Famer Dick Barnett Dies At 88

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

June 5, 2025

New Witness In Diddy Trial Says He Dangled Her From A 17th-Story Balcony

Bryana Bongolan stated Combs shouted expletives at her while dangling her over Cassie Ventura's 17th story balcony.

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On June 4, the Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal racketeering trial continued with Bryana Bongolan testifying that Combs dangled her from a 17th-story balcony.

Bongolan is connected to Combs through his ex-girlfriend and alleged victim, Cassie. During her time in Cassie’s circle, she frequented the singer’s home. On one occasion, Bongolan detailed being abruptly awakened and fondled before being yanked out of bed. Shortly after these events, the marketing director said Combs proceeded to hang her from the balcony of Cassie’s 17th-story apartment balcony, while yelling profanities. After 10-15 seconds, Bongolan was lifted and thrown onto nearby outdoor furniture, US News reported.

As a result of Combs’s actions, Bongolan sustained multiple injuries. These included multiple bruises to her neck, legs, and back. One bruise was the size of a golf ball. Pictures were entered into evidence to display the extent of the injuries. Bongolan explained that she is still dealing with the psychological fallout from the 2016 incident. 

Bongolan described to the jury her state of mind in the years since. 

“I have nightmares, and I have a lot of paranoia, and I used to scream a lot in my sleep, but it’s dissipated a little bit,” said Bongolan.

Similar to other witnesses for the prosecution, Bongolan received immunity for her testimony. This is likely, due to the admission of obtaining and using multiple illegal drugs, including ketamine, cocaine, and ecstasy.

During her testimony, Bongolan revealed more violent encounters with the former Bad Boy CEO, including a direct death threat. 

“He came up really close to my face and said something around the lines of, ‘I’m the devil, and I could kill you,'” Bongolan said.

Like many other victims of Combs, Bongolan filed a civil suit against the mogul in November 2024.  She is alleging sexual battery and assault, citing the 2016 incident. 

During the same trial, forensic analyst Frank Piazza took the stand to validate video footage that proves Combs’s violent nature, according to Yahoo News. The footage of Combs violently beating Cassie at the Intercontinental Hotel in L.A. was leaked months prior to his indictment.

Combs initially denied allegations of the beating. After the leak, he apologized for his actions. Yet, during the course of the trial, attorneys for the spirits entrepreneur have called the validity of the recording into question. 

Piazza confirmed that multiple sex videos and the footage from the Intercontinental are legitimate. Bongolan will resume her testimony on the stand on June 5.

For those seeking support or information regarding sexual assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

RELATED CONTENT: Hotel Worker Says He Received $100K From Diddy For Footage Of Cassie Assault

• Business

by Nancy E Williams

June 5, 2025

Pinot’s Palette Franchisee Turned Corporate Burnout Into Booming Business

In 2022, GoBankingRates conducted a survey revealing that 8% of Americans quit their jobs to start a business,

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In 2022, GoBankingRates conducted a survey revealing that 8% of Americans quit their jobs to start a business, and just last week, Allwork. Justeir’s nationwide survey found that nearly 8 in 10 employed individuals expressed interest in launching their own businesses. What this tells us is that there are far more employees considering leaving to become their own boss than actually leaping. Meet Shaquanna West, who purchased an existing Pinot’s Palette franchise in Summit, New Jersey, in July 2024, and in less than one year has driven a 60% increase in revenue and acquired a second location in February of this year.  

BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with West to learn more about what led her from corporate “golden handcuffs” to successful franchise owner, and what advice she has for others on leaving an unhealthy work environment to become your own boss.

BLACK ENTERPRISE: Give us a little background on how you got to the “burnout” stage in your corporate career, which ultimately led you to franchise ownership.

Shaquanna West: I reached the burnout stage after years of climbing the ladder in nonprofit, corporate, and association roles– giving my all in operations, governance, and member engagement. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Journalism, and I have consistently held leadership roles throughout my career. But over time, I found myself constantly overextended, micromanaged, and emotionally drained. Despite my qualifications, I was overlooked, my ideas were presented without credit, and the environments I worked in weren’t set up to support my growth. That’s when the burnout set in. I realized I couldn’t keep on pouring into a system that wasn’t pouring back into me.

I didn’t give up; I published two children’s books that encourage confidence, diversity, and creativity. The third book took much longer to finish— I had writer’s block because I was simply drained from my job. Writing became one of the first steps in reclaiming my voice and building something of my own. It also gave me a way to utilize my journalism degree in a manner that felt meaningful and aligned with my values.

What surprises me is that I now run two thriving art studios, despite not being an artist myself or having any background in painting. I stepped into this industry with zero art experience, but brought prior strong leaders, a clear vision, and operational discipline to the table. That’s what’s helping me turn both studios around within my first year.

BE: Before reaching burnout, had you considered business ownership before? Did you have mentors to help guide you?

West: I’ve always wanted to own a business. Even when I didn’t know exactly what it would be — and franchise ownership wasn’t originally on my radar– but when the opportunity came up, I leaned in. I didn’t have anyone in my immediate circle who had gone this route, so I was very much stepping into new territory.

What gave me confidence was a deep understanding that I wanted more for my life, not just in terms of income, but in terms of peace, flexibility, and stability. I didn’t want to spend decades building someone else’s dream, only to retire and realize I never truly lived my own. I didn’t have a roadmap or mentors in the franchise space, but I had faith, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose.

My biggest fear wasn’t failure— it was regret. I was afraid of looking back and knowing I stayed in situations that didn’t serve me out of comfort or fear. So, I bet on myself, even without a clear map. And I’ve grown tremendously because of it. Every day, I realize I am finally living my purpose— I have an opportunity to give back, offer a service to the public, and learn, grow, and inspire others daily.

BE: You have purchased two existing units with the Pinot’s Palette franchise, which were not profitable. What gave you the confidence to buy businesses that weren’t performing?

West: The studios I purchased were not financially strong at the time. One had almost no recurring revenue, and the other had inconsistent performance. But I saw potential, both in the brand and in what I knew I could bring to the table. I understood operations, people, and culture. I believed that with the right strategy, structure, and leadership, I could turn things around. And I did.

The support from the franchise’s operations and marketing teams was also a major part of that process. They’ve been a tremendous resource and sounding board throughout my journey. I also have some incredibly talented artists on my team, and I truly couldn’t do this without them. Especially since I’m not an artist myself and don’t teach the classes, it’s their creativity and connection with guests that help bring the vision to life.

BE: How did you fund your business, and how are you adjusting to the shift from a steady paycheck?

West: I used a mix of personal savings and retirement savings to fund the business. It was a bold decision, but after years of building other people’s visions, I knew it was time to invest in my own. I met with financial advisors and [got] feedback from my circle to make informed choices. My business hasn’t fully replaced my corporate salary yet, as I’m currently focused on building the long game. I know the rewards are coming. In the meantime, I’ve gained something even more valuable: time, peace, and the freedom to grow something that reflects my values.

BE: What has your experience as a Black woman-owned franchise been, and why do you think representation is important?

West: It’s been empowering and enlightening. I’ve had great support, but I’ve also had to prove myself in ways others might not. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself and others—and how to lead with both strength and intention. 

Representation is everything. When people see a Black woman owning, leading, and building with excellence, it expands their understanding of what is possible for themselves. That visibility matters—especially in spaces where we’re still underrepresented. It’s not just about being seen. It’s about being a mirror for someone else’s breakthrough.

BE: What advice do you have for a corporate employee who is unhappy in their role and feels stuck?

West: You don’t have to stay where you are. You don’t need permission to pivot. Get clear on what kind of life you want to live—and take one intentional step toward it. Whether that’s starting a business, finding a healthier workplace, or just reclaiming your peace, it’s valid. You’re allowed to choose yourself. I’ve done that through business—and also through storytelling. I’ve authored three children’s books because I believe in building a life that reflects all parts of who I am.

RELATED CONTENT: St. Louis Legend Jenifer Lewis Awarded Honorary Doctorate, Tells WashU Graduates To Prioritize Mental Health

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 5, 2025

Karine Jean-Pierre Leaves Democratic Party, Shocks Biden-Lovers With ‘Broken’ Details In New Tell-All Book

The announcement comes at a time where the Trump administration is side-eyeing whether Biden was capable of doing the job.

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In a shocking move, former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that she has left the Democratic Party, as revealed in a new tell-all book that offers a fresh perspective on why Joe Biden decided not to run for a second term and why voters should consider alternatives beyond the two-party system, according to the Associated Press. 

Jean-Pierre announced her new party affiliation in the title of her book, Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines, scheduled to be released Oct. 21. The announcement comes at a time where the Trump administration is side-eyeing Biden and the former administration on whether he was truly capable of holding the office of President. Critics are also pushing the narrative that there is more to the story surrounding his recent prostate cancer diagnosis. 

Publisher Legacy Lit said readers will be able to see “through the three weeks that led to Biden’s abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision.” “She presents clear arguments and provocative evidence as an insider about the importance of dismantling the torrent of disinformation and misinformation that has been rampant in recent elections and provides passionate insight for moving forward,” the publisher’s announcement read. 

The first Black woman and openly gay person to hold the position was often subjected to criticism for the lack of details when it came to Biden’s physical condition. However, in the book, she opens up about the feeling of being free once the new administration took over, while also being fearful of what was to come, and the past.

“Until January 20, I was responsible for speaking on behalf of the President of the United States, at noon on that day, I became a private citizen who, like all Americans and many of our allies around the world, had to contend with what was to come next for our country,” Jean-Pierre said in a statement about the book release.  

“I determined that the danger we face as a country requires freeing ourselves of boxes. We need to be willing to exercise the ability to think creatively and plan strategically.”

According to Politico, Jean-Pierre’s criticism isn’t a surprise. Several former staffers allege that she would often give hints about her admiration for the independent party. “She made a joke about being an independent last year, and now it’s a book. All ideas are monetary — even the dumb ones,” one former staff member said. 

The criticism online is even worse, as social media users point out the timing of Jean-Pierre’s book, which coincides with the release of CNN’s anti-Biden book by Jake Tapper. “Something feels a little gross about this one,” @gallymeroreboot wrote on X. 

“Jake Tapper is gross, so I was never shocked, but she was House Press Secretary and stood up there every day saying what she said. Feels opportunistic to keep the job, get the paycheck and then once the contract is over, write a book to turn on them.” 

Democratic strategist Caitlin Legacki, who worked in Biden’s Commerce Department, also took issue with the book, saying the focus should be on the “hero work” that the administration did, not tearing them down. “Kamala Harris and the entire Biden/Harris campaign did hero’s work to avoid losing 400 electoral votes and giving Republicans a supermajority in Congress, which is what would have happened if he stayed on the ticket,” Legacki said. 

“It’s more productive to focus on that, and thank Biden for doing the responsible thing by stepping aside, than it is to pretend this was an unwarranted act of betrayal.”

RELATED CONTENT: Beyond The Stage: 8 Influential Haitians And Haitian-Americans Shaping The World

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 5, 2025

Massachusetts Man Arrested After Throwing Rocks, Using ‘N-Word’ Against Black Man, Daughter

66-year-old David McPartlan was charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of assault to intimidate

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A Massachusetts man has been arrested and charged with four counts of assault after a racist incident at a local lake over Memorial Day Weekend.

According to Boston.com, 66-year-old David McPartlan was charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of assault to intimidate after he allegedly tossed rocks and shouted a racial slur at a Black man and his daughter. The troubling incident took place as Sheron Brown and his daughter were fishing on Lake Shirley May 26.

As the two were on a boat, McPartlan allegedly threw rocks at the ship, and when that happened, Brown grabbed his mobile phone to film the interaction. The video clip, posted to Brown’s Facebook page, shows the man responding to Brown, who is shocked by the man’s behavior. McPartlan is seen and heard saying, “Oh yeah, I’m throwing rocks at you n**ger.”

When Brown asked him what he said, McPartlan doubled down and told him, “the n**ger word,” as Brown then informed him that he was going to call the police.

A police report stated that police officers arrived at the scene at 4:50 p.m. After being informed by Brown about what had transpired, the officers went to McPartlan’s house. When they asked him about the accusation, he told them that he believed Brown was fishing too close to his dock and asked him to move.

When faced with the slur reference, he said to them, “I slipped a word out that maybe I shouldn’t have, but I was pissed.” He also copped to throwing the rocks.

WCVB spoke to Brown, and he told the media outlet, “The way he said it, there was hate in his voice. The way he kept going on. I’m not trying to judge anybody, I don’t know, but it seems like that was something he was comfortable saying. I brought it to his attention that I’m with my daughter.”

McPartlan is scheduled to appear in Fitchburg District Court for an arraignment June 16.

RELATED CONTENT: St. Louis Legend Jenifer Lewis Awarded Honorary Doctorate, Tells WashU Graduates To Prioritize Mental Health

• Culture

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 5, 2025

Juici Patties Is Jamaica’s First Fast-Food Chain To Successfully Expand To The U.S.

Jamaica's cultural exports have long been dominated by music, but its cuisine is now making a powerful global impact.

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Written by Noel Walker

Jamaica’s cultural exports have long been dominated by music, but its cuisine is now making a powerful global impact. Juici Patties, Jamaica’s beloved fast-food chain, has become the first Jamaican chain to successfully expand into the U.S., marking a milestone for Caribbean business. While South Florida’s large Jamaican community made it the logical first U.S. market, the brand’s explosive reception in Brooklyn, this past May, with lines stretching around city blocks, demonstrates its cross-cultural appeal.

“We’ve signed 57 franchise agreements for the U.S. so far, and all should open by late 2027,” revealed Daniel Chin, CEO of Juici Patties USA and Director of Operations for the parent company. This rapid expansion is particularly noteworthy because it’s being achieved without private equity — a rarity for Caribbean businesses scaling internationally.

A Family Legacy Built on Authentic Flavors

The Juici Patties story begins with Daniel’s father and founder, Jukie Chin, who opened the first location in 1980 with just 3 employees, after previously perfecting the star menu item in his mother’s kitchen and selling them in the family’s grocery store when he was just 16 years old. The Jamaican beef patty — a flaky, golden pastry filled with spiced beef, chicken, vegetables, or seafood, traditionally made with island spices — would become synonymous with Jamaican street food and the foundation of what is now a Caribbean institution. 

“My dad started the business when he was young, and I joined 12 years ago,” Daniel explained. “The company remains 100% family-owned.”

For Chin, an Asian-Jamaican entrepreneur whose grandparents moved to Jamaica from China in the 1950s, this expansion represents more than business growth — it’s about national pride. 

“This is more than just a business. This is an opportunity for a Jamaican company and brand to expand on the global stage and show the world that Jamaica has a lot of potential,” he said. “Being from Jamaica, being in the Caribbean, it gave me that extra motivation to do something that has never been done before.”

But achieving this historic milestone required more than ambition — it demanded a fundamental transformation in how the company operated. Juici’s U.S. expansion was years in the making, with customer service transformation playing a crucial role. “About 8-10 years ago, our customer service was pretty bad,” Chin admitted. “We didn’t have that consistency that I hoped for.” The company completely revamped its approach, focusing on “how we hire, how we recruit, how we train, how we pay. We redid everything from the ground up.”

The results were dramatic. Within two years of implementing those changes, Juici ranked number one for customer service in Jamaica. The secret was treating employees like owners: “If you treat somebody like an owner for long enough, eventually they start acting like an owner.” This philosophy has translated to exceptional results, with 96% of Juici employees recommending the company as a workplace to family and friends.

Building the Foundation for Global Success

This transformation didn’t happen in isolation — it was guided by Daniel Chin’s unique blend of formal education and real-world experience. His educational background at the University of Guelph, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in the hospitality industry, provided the essential foundation. “I was studying economics, accounting, food chemistry, and food science. It was a mix of business with a little bit of culinary,” he explains. “The program was niche. It’s hospitality but so strongly business, and it’s perfect for somebody in the restaurant business.”

However, formal education only told part of the story. “What I learned at Guelph was great preparation, but doing business in Jamaica is a lot different than doing business in the U.S.,” Chin reflects. “I couldn’t survive with one without the other.” The key lesson from his father was relationship-building: “My father was always very appreciative of the team members and the company that made everything possible. There’s just a level of appreciation and respect. Our success is because of them.”

Understanding these cultural differences became crucial as the company prepared for international expansion. The differences between Jamaican and American business practices proved educational. “In Jamaica, some of the companies are still quite young. In the U.S., I find that companies have more internal controls when it comes to maximizing sales or eliminating theft,” Chin observes. To bridge this gap, Juici implemented “first world software and technology systems in Jamaica in 2016-2017″.

Scaling Without Sacrificing Soul

With these operational foundations in place, the company was ready to tackle its most ambitious challenge: rapid U.S. expansion while maintaining authenticity and control. The key to Juici Patties’ capital-efficient growth lies in its franchise strategy. “What’s special about our situation is that we’re a franchisor,” Chin explains. “We don’t really need private equity because with the franchise model, we can scale while still maintaining control.” This approach creates a virtuous cycle: “Franchising helps to share in some of the returns. The franchisees build the store out, put in the equipment, and handle construction. I like this model because it helps us make other people wealthy.”

Most franchisees are Jamaican-Americans who understand both the product and the culture. “They bring in business partners — some not Jamaican — but friends of theirs or business partners,” Chin notes. This ensures authenticity while building local entrepreneurship within communities.

The franchise model also supports the company’s unwavering commitment to quality — a principle that drives every business decision. Maintaining family ownership allows Juici to prioritize quality above all else. “One of the most important things for me is quality. Without the quality of the product, we don’t have a business,” Chin emphasized. “The good thing about being 100% owned by the family is that we dictate quality. We set the standards, and there are no other influences that try to ask us to skimp on quality.”

This commitment extends to flavor authenticity. While other chains might modify recipes for new markets, Juici maintains its authentic taste. “I’d rather sell an authentic product and be loved by some, instead of selling an inauthentic product to be liked by everyone,” Chin stated. The signature spicy beef patty uses the same scotch bonnet pepper recipe as in Jamaica: “We don’t hold back on the scotch bonnet. We don’t hold back on the flavor. We go full speed.” (However, a mild version of the patty was introduced just for the U.S. market palate).

As Juici Patties progresses toward its goal of 3,000 U.S. locations, it’s proving that Caribbean businesses can achieve scale without sacrificing authenticity or control. The company’s success reveals surprising demand patterns: “We’re seeing a lot of potential for expanding into pretty much almost every state of the US, even those that don’t have a large Jamaican diaspora population.”

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 5, 2025

Hundreds Of People Arrested During Coordinated Nationwide Retail Crime Crackdown

Retailers included in this operation were Home Depot, Ulta Beauty, Walgreens, T.J. Maxx, Kroger, Meijer, Macy's, Target, Walgreens and others

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A recent crackdown on retail crimes across the country has led to the arrest of hundreds of people in more than 25 states, involving stores such as Macy’s, Target, and Walgreens, among many others.

According to CNBC, the coordinated effort was conducted by the Cook County regional organized crime task force in Illinois. The sweep involved more than 100 jurisdictions (28 states) and over 30 retail stores nationwide. This is the first time such an operation has been conducted.

Some of the other retailers included in this operation were Home Depot, Ulta Beauty, T.J. Maxx, Kroger, and Meijer.

“Organized retail crime remains one of the most significant challenges in our industry,” said Marty Maloney, Walgreens’ director of media relations. “In this most recent operation, we worked closely with law enforcement partners across nearly 20 cities and at over 40 locations to help curb this trend.”