A new restaurant with a Caribbean flavour is to open in Warwick.

And the public was given the chance to pick the name for the new venture in the old Hunt’s grocery store — with a prize of food from the restaurant worth a total of $300 if their name is chosen. Nominations have now closed.

Marico Thomas, owner of Four Star Pizza and the Glaze bakery and pastry shops, is behind the new takeaway, which is set to employ between nine and 15 people.

Mr Thomas said: “It’s something we wanted to add to the repertoire, but it didn’t fit in any of the other operations we do.

“It was an opportunity to do something different and allow people to enjoy some of this food.”

He added: “We’ve had people make suggestions on how they would like to see our menu expand over the years.

“I’ve really learnt to appreciate food and the different flavours.

“I’m looking forward to that authentic Caribbean menu as well, with those flavours that make your taste buds sing — not burn, but sing.

“It doesn’t have to burn, but the flavours are robust.”

The new restaurant will feature Caribbean-style favourites like jerk chicken, oxtail and curried goat and Bermuda dishes.

Mr Thomas, who also runs Indigo restaurant in Flatts and North Shore Bakery, explained he wanted to give the public a chance to choose the name of the new venture.

He said: “We’ve been involved in a number of different restaurants and names and we decided to expand some of the fun.

“We thought it was a good way to have some fun with our customers and people in the Warwick neighbourhood and let them help name our restaurant.

“We’ve had a lot of responses — people are really enjoying themselves and we’re enjoying reading the responses.”

Nominations closed at the weekend. The name of the restaurant is expected to be announced this week, with an opening date scheduled for the end of this month.

Mr Thomas said: “We’re looking to hire people who are skilled in cooking Caribbean cuisine. We want to be true to the flavour.

“My parents are from the Caribbean and my grandparents.

“There is a relationship there and I do enjoy food from the Caribbean myself when I’m travelling.”

He said that home cooks, as well as professionals, were welcome to apply for kitchen positions.

“We’re looking forward to testing what they provide. We’re also looking for staff for counter duties.”

The restaurant, next to Warwick Bowling Alley, will be open seven days a week from 7am to 8pm, serving breakfast lunch and dinner.

Mr Thomas plans at least 20 different choices from a hot buffet every day, plus a cold buffet.

The restaurant will also feature baked goods from the Glaze side of the business and desserts, including ice cream desserts, as well as à la carte sandwiches and a variety of drinks, including milk shakes, smoothies and slushies.