Carmen Kelly Celebrates 100 Years of BBQ | San Jose News

San Jose News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 11, 2026 · 1m

Carmen Kelly, a true OG, just turned 100 and celebrated in style at her own legendary bar-b-que joint in Hayward, California — the very spot she opened in 1979, serving up generations-old Jamaican-style BBQ that’s sweet, spicy, and downright unforgettable. The milestone wasn’t just personal — it synced with Jamaica Independence Day, honoring her roots. Surrounded by family, loyal customers, and the sauce that made her famous (including a five-pepper dare for the brave), Carmen’s story is pure inspiration: hard work, love, and community built one rib, one pepper, one Red Stripe at a time…