The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine the spotlight on Jason Smith in our “Community Proud” series. Jason is the owner of 809 Café, serving up Dominican flavors and warm hospitality at both the Pawcatuck and North Stonington locations, and he is proud to share his culture, story, and faith with the community.

Born in Yonkers, New York, Jason grew up in a family rooted in service and hard work. His father was a Sergeant in the NYPD and a Vietnam Army veteran, and his mother worked as a hairdresser. The family moved often, living in the Dominican Republic, Florida, and North Carolina before his father decided to build a home in Westerly. He chose the area because it was a safe place to raise his children and close enough to Foxwoods so Jason’s mom could enjoy her love of bingo. That house became a symbol of the future his parents wanted for their family.

Today, Jason lives in Connecticut with his wife, Ari, and their blended family of five children, ranging in age from twenty-one to four. They also have a granddaughter and a grandson on the way, and family is at the center of everything Jason does. “Family to me is not just blood but those who show up for us,” he shared.

The dream of 809 Café began in the kitchen. Jason spent countless hours cooking alongside his mother, and everyone in his family cooks, from his sisters to his brother. He loved preparing food for family and friends and seeing their reactions when they tasted his dishes. While living in Westerly, he noticed that there was no local option for Dominican cuisine and began to imagine what it would look like to create one. “My mom always wanted to open a restaurant so this is a way to honor her too. She has done so much for us all,” Jason said.

Before opening his restaurants, Jason worked as a UPS driver. On the side, he followed his passion for food wherever he could, selling food with his family at the Waterford Speedbowl and running a food truck at Paddy’s at Misquamicut Beach when he was younger. That combination of hustle, creativity, and community connection laid the groundwork for what would eventually become 809 Café.

Faith and community are woven into every part of his story. Jason and his family attend Spirit Road Church and have found a strong church family there. “God gave me this vision and I am doing my best to honor it and see it through,” he said. For Jason, Dominican culture is a living expression of that vision. “For Dominican culture especially, food, music, family, faith, and joy are community. Sharing that with others is what it’s all about.”

Jason describes himself as having an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age, but he is quick to point out that he has not walked this road alone. Opening not one but two restaurants is something he sees as a shared achievement. “God has led the way and our family has been the backbone,” he said. “I am most proud of our family and our 809 Café team. It takes a village and I am grateful God blessed us with a wonderful one.”

At 809 Café, trust is built the same way meals are served: with care, consistency, and heart. “We are genuine, it’s that simple,” Jason explained. “We care, I mean truly care about our staff, about our customers whom we treat as family. We know a business is nothing without the support of the community and we strive to be an asset and we do our best to show our appreciation to our community.”

That appreciation is backed up by action. 809 Café has been featured in The Day newspaper and has participated in multicultural events at Waterford High School. Jason, Ari, and their team routinely give back by donating food to events like the Operation Fresh Start book signing, and gift cards to programs at Stonington High School and the Hopkinton Police Department. “We try to donate whenever we can,” he said.

The Westerly and Greater Mystic area will always hold a special place in Jason’s heart. His father passed away only a few months after their home was built, and although the family no longer lives there, the area still feels like home. “This is the place he chose for us and it will always feel like home even though we no longer reside there,” Jason shared.

When asked what inspires him, Jason does not hesitate. He wants to make his family proud, especially his late father, his mother, his wife, and his children. “I want them to see that anything is possible when you trust God and decide to go for it,” he said. Outside of the restaurant, he loves spending time with his family, traveling together, and feeding a personal interest in cars and real estate. One thing many people may not know about Jason is that he is half African American, a part of his identity that contributes to the rich blend of culture and perspective he brings to his work and his life.

Jason is also quick to recognize the people who helped turn his vision into reality. He credits the 809 family, including Yokasta Eames, Angel Smith, Jason Edwards, Joel Aristy, and Yordy Sosa. “We appreciate all their hard work and dedication. They trusted our vision when it was just that, only a vision,” he said.

Being recognized in the Chamber’s Community Proud series is a meaningful milestone for Jason and his family. “It feels like a ‘mama I made it’ moment. Truly so grateful. We have poured everything we have and don’t have into our businesses and it feels nice to be seen. So thank you.”

Jason Smith, through his leadership at 809 Café, his dedication to family, his faith, and his spirit of generosity, is a powerful example of what it means to be Community Proud.