Pacers Sports & Entertainment recently announced their 2024-25 season lineup for the Guest Chef Program, with several notable minority-owned businesses for fans to try.
This season, fans can ‘Catch Ah Vibe’ with the bold Caribbean dishes of Scotchy Jamaican Grill, bringing authentic island flair to the arena’s diverse menu lineup and enhancing the game-day experience.
With several notable minority-owned restaurants to try this season, businesses like Scotchy are being elevated to the next level. The opportunity to serve fans at Pacers Games is a dream come true.
Founded by father and son Marlon and Bryce Llewellyn, Scotchy Jamaican Grill was inspired by Marlon’s late mother, a restauranteur from Jamaica. Striving to make her proud, he was called to action one morning in church.
“The Holy Spirit spoke to me, and it said, ‘I’m not going to let you leave this Earth until you have tried everything you need to try,’” Marlon Llewellyn said.
Llewellyn’s goal is to open 100 fast-casual dining restaurants by 2030. His lofty goals began at the Fishers Test Kitchen, where he hosted three pop-ups, all of which sold out. On Oct. 11, Scotchy opened its doors as the official fourth pod of the Fishers Test Kitchen, serving signature jerk chicken and lump cod fritters to guests every Friday and Saturday.
‘Catch ah vibe’ at Scotchy Jamaican Grill at Fishers Test Kitchen – Indianapolis Recorder
“I think (my mother)’d be very pleased with me,” Llewellyn said. “Like, ‘Yes, he’s finally doing what I told him to.’”
At Gainbridge, Scotchy will be offering a ‘Catch Ah Vibe’ box, inspired by the restaurant’s catchphrase. Inside will be jerk chicken, fried plantains and fried festivals.
Llewellyn will work directly with the executive chef at Gainbridge, Chris Albano, to serve guests out of The Kitchen concession, located on the Main Concourse near Section 17.
“I think this program is an amazing opportunity for small and minority-owned businesses,” Llewellyn said. “This whole thing is about continuing to learn about the business. I feel very humbled and blessed.”
As his business continues to grow, Llewellyn’s excitement for new opportunities grows every day.
“Scotchy has really grown,” Llewellyn said. “I tell young people, ‘This is chasing your dreams.’”
In addition to Scotchy, seven other local restaurants were announced on a rotating schedule. Scotchy will be at The Kitchen for the first five home games, then the schedule will rotate through the following:
- Tasha Claytor – T Street Eatz
- Adrian Samano – Samanos Taqueria
- Mycoe Andrews – Spice Grille
- Brady Foster – Foster catering
- Darryl Howard – T’Days
- Christian Manansala – Pinoy Garden Café
- Juszina Kendrick – Classy Diva Caters DBA Juszina Maria’s Catering Studio
Portions of each of the sales will be donated to nonprofits.
“Our food and beverage offerings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse are such an important part of the unforgettable world-class experience fans enjoy here,” said Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “I am excited for the new offerings, the way we are maximizing new technologies and our continued commitment to shining a light on Indy’s amazing local food scene.”
In addition to the KeyBank Guest Chef Program, new QR codes and easier ordering will be available.
For a local chef like Llewellyn, participating in this program is the next step in the elevation of their business and seeing their hard work pay off.
“Scotchy is my dream,” Llewellyn said. “It’s my dream that I get to share with my son …The opportunity to honor my mom and her legacy and to learn and grown this concept that has been near and dear to my heart.”
To buy Pacers tickets, visit nba.com/pacers/tickets. To learn more about Scotchy Jamaican Grill and to stay up to date, follow them on Instagram @scotchy_jamaican_grill.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.