Local Spotlight: Mabel “Tyce” Reid-Wallace

No matter what subject you throw at her, Mabel “Tyce” Reid-Wallace is passionate – about food, politics, the love of her life and the customers who frequent her business, Go See Tyce Jamaican BBQ.

On a recent Friday afternoon, Reid-Wallace is busy behind the counter of the take-out, checking such delicacies as oxtails, brisket, curried dishes, jerk pork and chicken and Irie mac and cheese. (Irie means nice, good or pleasing.) During warmer months she serves fresh veggies from her garden.

Reid-Wallace greets her regulars like family, with a big, booming voice that matches her wide, welcoming smile. She tells one woman she’d better stay in school and clucks like a mother hen while spooning out another’s order, saying, “I’m going to give you vegetables, make it healthier.”

The Jamaican native will have been in business four years this August at 810 Portland Road (Route 1) in Saco. Her hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. 

Daily specials are featured and outdoor seating is available when the weather is nicer. But even on cold winter days, lively reggae music greets those who venture into the colorful and bright interior for comfort food made from scratch. 

Reid-Wallace made time for an interview and to answer some questions.

What kind of culinary experience do you have?

“I’ve been cooking since I was 7, 8 years old. I prepared meals for a family of 10. That’s how I learned to cook and by my parents and grandparents.

My background is in education in school administration. I started off as a teacher and was quickly pulled into administration in the Weyland and Boston public schools. My last job was in an integration program where kids are bused to the suburbs to have access to a rigorous education. After encountering some challenging roadblocks, I decided to walk away.”

What was your life in Jamaica like?

“Growing up, I lived in a very rural area on my grandfather’s farm in the mountains with no electricity, no running water, no paved roads. They were some of the happiest years of my life. It was glorious, really. I’d eat fresh fruits and vegetables: get up, climb a tree and eat a mango.

Some would say I grew up very poor, but my life was very rich. We did not know we were missing anything. As I walked through my grandfather’s farm I had not a care in the world.

I left my family at an early age and moved to Kingston, Jamacia, to attend school and lived with a host family.

My mom emigrated first, then dad, than the five children. I emigrated in 1973 as a child. Since we’ve been here we’ve had a little “Jamerican” sister.”

Why did you decide to open a restaurant in Saco?

“Honestly, when I walked away from education I was very broken. My way of dealing with it was, I like to drive and came up and spend some time with my brother in Portland. But I decided I didn’t like the food.

I said to him, ‘Is there a Jamaican restaurant?’ He said, ‘Not one you would like.’ So I said, ‘I’m going to put in a Jamaican restaurant’ and he looked at me like I was crazy.

I drove down and saw the sign for Old Orchard Beach, thought I would do seasonal. I saw this whole community as a good place to put a restaurant, but the Realtors wouldn’t help me and I became very dejected. I came up Route 1 and saw a For Sale sign out front here. I went about transforming the garage into a community kitchen and this place, where they made master keys, into a restaurant. I live in the house next door. So I thought, well this solves all of my problems – somewhere to live with the business on the property.”

Has opening a Maine-based Jamaican joint been challenging?

“I thought it was cheaper in Maine, but I have to go to Boston for my food. When I first came to America they were throwing oxtails away. Now oxtails are more expensive than steak. How does that make any sense?

The location is also a challenge – but I’m only three minutes away from downtown!”

How did you get the name Tyce?

“Tyce is a nickname my grandfather gave me. It’s short for enticing.

The lion on the logo represents my grandfather. It’s on everything. Lion was his nickname; he was the pillar of the community and owned the neighborhood store up in the mountains. I learned everything by his side. I’ve kind of gone back to my roots.”

Any other family?

“I’m a widow; my husband died in 2022. With his last breath he sat up, said “Bye” and he left. We were like Bonnie and Clyde.” (Holds up a photo of the two of them) “He was a chick magnet. I also have a stepson.”

Is there anything you’d like to add?

“I have met some amazing people in my short time here in Maine that have been welcoming. They have served as guardian angels. To everyone, I appreciate you.”

Ann Fisher is a freelance journalist based in Saco. She can be reached at 432-7483.