Ever since she was a little girl, Kadian Green knew she was meant to be in the restaurant business.
While other kids were playing with dolls, she was busy putting on an apron and taking make believe orders on scrap pieces of paper.
Now Green is ready to do it for real after she purchased Ivey's Restaurant on Wellington Street from former owner Clifton Ivey.
Her new venture, Gingles Caribbean Restaurant, is scheduled to open on Saturday.
"It's my passion," Green said.
"I love to cook. It's my happy place."
The opening comes as a bit of a relief after the whole transaction between Green and Ivey came about by chance but almost didn't materialize.
Green recalls scrolling through her phone one Saturday morning when she saw the story in CambridgeToday about Ivey's being for sale. She immediately did some digging and got into contact with Ivey to get more details.
A few weeks and three visits to the restaurant later, Green received a phone call while at home. Clifton was on the other end of the line saying someone else had come in and was interested in making a serious offer.
Determined to not let the opportunity slip away, she dropped everything and made her way to Galt.
"I was having my breakfast when he told me someone came and said they were ready," Green said.
"I dropped the tea I was drinking and came right away. I told him to take the sold signs down, it's mine. He said he was very impressed by my eagerness and attitude."
Those who enjoyed Ivey's Jamaican dishes will be happy to know that Green, who's also from Jamaica, is keeping many of the classic options the same. For others, she'll be adding her own unique twist.
Jerk chicken pizza, wraps and burgers are just a few of the menu items she believes are going to be a hit.
As she sits inside her new restaurant just days away from opening, it's hard for her not to get emotional when asked about the new name. Much like Ivey's before it, Gingles is rooted in family.
"I wanted the name to have meaning," Green said as she wiped tears from her eyes.
"My grandfather, he loved to cook. He was always cooking," she said. "He lived in New York and promised me he would come here and spend time with my kids but he ended up passing away."
His name was Eyrol Neufville and his nickname was Jingles because he loved coins and always had some in his pockets, she said.
But instead of naming the restaurant Jingles, she added a G instead, "because jingles sounds like jingle bell."
When people walk through the front doors beginning Saturday, Green says people can expect a warm reception that will make them feel at home. It's the same kind of feeling residents became accustomed to from the decades Ivey was the owner.
"I want them to feel comfortable," she said
"I'm loving, kind and gentle."
