Donnet Joseph worked on a factory floor for more than a quarter century, dreaming about sharing her food with the world.
She recently made that dream come true, and now, M&J Jamaican is a community favorite in Cottage Grove.
Joseph’s love for food stretches back to her time growing up in Jamaica. Dannette has been cooking food since she was seven years old.
It all began with her mother’s initiative for her kids to be self-sufficient.
“I have two younger siblings, brothers, and she taught all of us how to cook. She always said, she said to my brothers, you got to learn to cook your own food so you don’t depend on anybody to do it for you.”
Although she learned to cook out of necessity, she attributes her passion for food to the parties her family hosted. In her eyes, food is about love and bringing people together.
“I feel like, if you’re doing something, you got to do it from the heart. And I told people, I make my food with love. And I love what I do.”
Joseph’s passion stuck with her even over the 26 years she worked as a machine operator. She insisted to her friends and family that one day she’d have her own food truck.
Opportunity struck when Martin Deacon, a mentor to Joseph, encouraged her to start in the food industry. Deacon was retiring and insisted that Deanette buy his food truck to get her business going.
Although Joseph had worked in kitchens before, she knew this was a different ball game. Nonetheless, she took the leap of faith and purchased the truck.
“I’m always up for a challenge. And that’s why I always tell people, a challenge I never run from. I’m always pushing my limits,” she said.
As M&J started to gain traction, Deannette faced a difficult decision about continuing her day job. When new management began and asked her to work overtime on the weekends, she knew it would conflict with the food truck.
Joseph once again went with her gut and quit her job. That gamble paid off as M&J Jamaican popped up at ‘Taste of Madison,’ the South Side farmers market, and catered events.
M&J Jamaican started to gain popularity in the Madison area. This helped Joseph and her family transition from a food truck into their very own restaurant right outside of Cottage Grove, which just celebrated its grand opening May 30.
The interior of M&J is built on Joseph’s emphasis on love and reflects her goal to bring people together.
“This is a place where people can come, bring their kids, bring their family, bring their friends,” she said.
The colors and murals on the wall paint a beautiful picture of Jamaican culture and give off a cordial energy.
“When my husband designed this place, we wanted it to be a homely vibe. Like you’re back in Jamaica, in the islands,” Joseph said.
She hopes M&J can continue to introduce people to Jamaican culture and food, along with being someplace the Madison community can rely on in times of need.
“I always say, even if somebody comes in here and they say, ‘Oh, I got $5. I want some chicken.’ I don’t tell them I can’t,” she said. “I’m just like, ‘OK, you got $5. I’ll give you some chicken.’ Because to me, people think it’s not about the money for me. It’s the happiness.”
As for the food at M&J, Deanette wants to continue to introduce more items in the near future. Although the oxtail and jerk chicken dishes are her best-selling, she’s excited to add some seafood to the menu.
Readers can visit M&J at 4692 Cottage Grove Rd and get a taste of the fastest-growing Jamaican spot in town.
