One Love: Female Entrepreneur Brings a Taste of Paradise to Lilburn

Mandeville, Jamaica native Nicola Blake McIntyre is no stranger to entrepreneurship. In fact, perhaps entrepreneurship is in her blood. Her father owned a club on the island where she was exposed to entrepreneurship before moving to the United States. That dream has now come true. McIntyre finds herself in the owner’s circle - and her life’s menu offers mouthwatering jerk chicken with a side of community service.

Nestled in the heart of Lilburn, McIntyre owns and operates A Taste of Paradise located at 4805 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 300 with the support of her loving husband Garfield McIntyre and sister Cordell Rowe. For a little over a year she has provided Gwinnett County residents with some of the finest Jamaican cuisine this side of Jamaica, according to satisfied customers.

McIntyre said, “I am excited about sharing the authentic Jamaican cuisine and recipes I practiced as a child in a harmonious environment with the support of loving family, great friends, and community members who have embraced me since opening my doors in Lilburn.”

But Jamaican cuisine is not the only thing McIntyre serves. She is a catalyst for positive change and serves her community as a proud and active member of Gwinnett County’s first Greek-letter organization for professional African American women, Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Wearing many hats for her beloved sorority, McIntyre presently holds the position of Graduate Advisor to college-aged members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who attend Oglethorpe University.

A mother of three, McIntyre’s service doesn’t end with Alpha Kappa Alpha. She is also a charter member of the Lilburn’s Lions Club and Co-President of the Parkview High School PTSA.

Humbled by the opportunity to realize her dream of entrepreneurship, McIntrye is proud to bring a taste of her home to Lilburn. She insists serving Jamaican delicacies and tirelessly serving her community is the manifestation of living a purpose-driven life. It’s the reason she is here.

McIntyre’s sister Cordell Rowe is McIntyre’s right hand at the restaurant and loves being a part of paradise. “The restaurant is clean. The food is good. The atmosphere is friendly. It’s like you are in paradise,” said Rowe.

Tony Williams, who works as the restaurant’s head chef and cannot imagine working anywhere else said, “I am a very lucky man. I am cooking in paradise.”

For more information on A Taste of Paradise log on to https://www.facebook.com/atasteofparadiselilburn