A RESIDENT has kick-started his dream of running his own restaurant by opening a business in his back garden.

Antonio Wright, from Braintree, has started his own jerk chicken business in the town.

The 34-year-old is running Northsides Jerk Yard from his home in Boleyns Avenue, as a collection and takeaway for the food.

Braintree and Witham Times: Antonio cooks his chicken in his gardenAntonio cooks his chicken in his garden (Image: N/A)

A security guard by trade, Antonio cooks on the side, falling in love with jerk chicken about five years ago.

He said: “My dad always said find something you’re good at and for me it was Caribbean food, more specifically jerk chicken.

“I learnt how to make it through trial and error and now just love it.”

Currently, Antonio is also doing bread and fruit.

Braintree and Witham Times: Antonio's food sold out on his opening dayAntonio's food sold out on his opening day (Image: N/A)

He said he enjoyed a good opening event and is dreaming of one day having his own takeaway business.

Antonio said: “The plan was to have a takeaway but there were no spaces currently available which are suitable.

“So I switched to plan B and thought to do it in my back garden.

“I bought a gazebo and started cooking from there on January 21 and sold out.

“The support I have had so far has been amazing and I have got some great feedback.

“I am planning on opening at least once a week for collections, but the long term dream is obviously to one day do this full time and have my own space and takeaway.

“I just want to bring some more diversity and culture to Braintree.”

For updates or more information, go to Northsides Jerk Yard on Instagram.