Story & Lesson Highlights with David Williams of West Chester

We’re looking forward to introducing you to David Williams. Check out our conversation below.

David, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?

“Yes, I feel incredibly proud of how far my restaurant has come. Watching it grow and evolve has been a rewarding journey. Every day we continue to get better — from the food, to the service, to the overall experience we provide. With our third anniversary coming up, it’s a reminder of the dedication, passion, and hard work that’s gone into building something special. We’ve accomplished a lot, but I believe the best is yet to come.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is David Williams, and together with my beautiful wife, we proudly own Yard Vybz Nyaminz, an authentic Jamaican restaurant dedicated to serving bold flavors and unforgettable vibes. With over 20 years of experience in the food industry across the U.S., I’ve taken everything I’ve learned and poured it into this passion project that’s deeply rooted in family and culture.

Cooking is in my blood — a generational gift passed down from my grandfather, who was not only a talented chef but also an innovator in the kitchen. He taught me more than recipes — he taught me how to cook with love, creativity, and soul.

What makes Yard Vybz Nyaminz truly special is the story behind every dish and the unique name that reflects our heritage. We don’t just serve food — we serve an experience that keeps people coming back. Right now, we’re excited as we approach our third anniversary, and we’re focused on continuing to grow, evolve, and bring the best of Jamaica to the Midwest.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandparents taught me the most about work. After my father passed away when I was just 11, my mother stepped up and took on the role of both mother and father. It wasn’t easy, but she did it with strength and grace. During that time, I also spent a lot of time with my grandparents, who instilled in me a deep respect for hard work. They always said, “Hard work is the key to success — a lazy man will not eat.” That mindset has stayed with me and continues to drive everything I do today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been times when I felt like giving up. The challenges, setbacks, and disappointments can get overwhelming — especially when you’re pouring your heart into something. But every time I’ve reached that breaking point, something inside me reminds me that this too shall pass. I’ve come to realize that every discouragement, every failure, and every closed door comes with a lesson. Those moments are meant to build you, not break you. They’ve made me stronger, more focused, and even more determined to keep pushing forward.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Believe it or not, I admire Elon Musk — not just for his success, but for his character. He’s a true innovator and a resilient individual who fully believes in what he does. I respect how fearless he is when it comes to taking risks, thinking outside the box, and pushing boundaries. It’s that unwavering belief in his vision, even when others doubt him, that I truly admire.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I’m doing what I was born to do. I wasn’t just told to follow a path — I was called to lead, create, and innovate. Whether it’s in the culinary world or other areas of my life, I’ve always felt a deep purpose to build, inspire, and leave a lasting impact. This journey feels aligned with who I am at the core — a leader driven by passion, vision, and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yardvybznyaminz.com
• Instagram: yard_vybz_nyaminz
• Facebook: Yard Vybz Nyaminz
• Youtube: Yard Vybz Nyaminz
• Other: Tik Tok … yard vybz nyaminz

Image Credits
Nicole Williams my wife