Josh Dat: Turning Family Legacy into Culinary Courage

Josh Dat, a Guyanese-American restaurateur rooted in Jamaica, Queens, is the creative force behind Datz Deli—the sizzling New York deli bringing Caribbean flavors to sandwiches. His determination, cultural pride, and willingness to take bold risks turned a modest idea into a family-run culinary sensation.

This year, we honor Josh with the Courage Award at the 2025 JoyTutor Celebrations of Courage Awards—for daring to transform his father’s unrealized dreams into a thriving business, boldly redefining comfort food, and proving that courage is often found at the intersection of heritage and hustle.

Josh Dat – Courage Award Honoree: Honoring Heritage. Building Legacy. Leading with Courage.

Rooted in Family, Elevated by Vision

Born and raised in Queens to Guyanese immigrant parents, Josh grew up honoring his dad’s hard-earned culinary lessons—from temple-fed generosity to dreams set aside due to life’s challenges. Determined to change that narrative, Josh saved every paycheck until he could hand his dad the keys to their own deli—risking his savings, his stability, and his comfort zone to bring their vision to life. (caribbeanlife.com)

The Viral Dish That Redefined Courage in Comfort Food

In January 2023, Datz Deli opened its doors, offering Guyanese comfort food made unexpected by the now-signature DatMacPatty—a Jamaican beef patty hugged by mac and cheese, layered with oxtail, curry, or jerk chicken. That accidental creation became a viral sensation, drawing lines out the door and putting his deli on the culinary map. (squareup.com)

A Caribbean Heart in Every Sandwich

Under Josh’s leadership, Datz Deli expanded to a second location in Manhattan’s Lower East Side and reached an estimated $1.2M in annual sales (blackbusiness.com). Every bite is a tribute to his heritage and a bold statement of what’s possible when you blend culture with courage.

Giving Back, Giving Hope

Josh remains deeply connected to his roots—donating surplus food nightly, organizing toy and meal drives, and using his platform to spotlight and support other local businesses. His courage is not just in what he built, but in how he uses it to serve others. (caribbeanlife.com)

Celebrating His Courage

We celebrate Josh Dat with the Courage Award—for risking it all to create a family legacy, for daring to elevate Caribbean cuisine in New York City, and for proving that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s feeding the dream anyway.