Local Caribbean kitchen stepping up to support Hurricane Melissa Relief

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a Category 5 Hurricane swept through Jamaica, one east Austin kitchen is stepping up in supporting relief efforts.

Twin Isle, a locally owned Caribbean restaurant, is holding a fundraiser throughout November to support relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

For every Build-Your-Bowl sold, the company pledges to donate $1 towards The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), a nonprofit supporting disaster relief and sustainable community development in the region.

"I'm from Trinidad and Tobago; Jamaica is a neighbor country island and all of the islands consider each other family," Twin Isle owner and chef Janelle Romeo said. "It's really important to do our part in providing whatever we can for disaster relief."

The fundraiser is part of the mission to foster a community for Austin's Caribbean population, something Romeo said is the heart of why she opened up the restaurant earlier in September.

The restaurant has seen a wealth of support from local Caribbean communities, Romeo adding she hopes more Austin residents come support the relief efforts and experience a taste of Caribbean cuisine.

"It's important to support them in their time of need because we pull from them in all ways and all things from music to food," she said. "It's important for us to really show that sense of community and take this initiative and take this pledge and help in whatever way we can."