The Rick's Café Adventure began in 1974 when Richard “Rick” Hershman bought this stony cliff-side one and a half acre property from Dr .Winston Campbell, son of Jamaica's first native Governor General, Sir Clifford Campbell. At this time Negril was pretty quiet with very few establishments, electricity, telephone or running water. Negril was always known for the wonderful seven miles beach, however, Rick’s Cafe added another breathtaking attraction. It was the first public bar and restaurant in the area that possessed such a magnificent view of the sunset.
In September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert completely destroyed Rick's Cafe. Waves in excess of 25 feet crashed over the cliffs and treetops. After rebuilding, Rick's Cafe came back more spectacular than ever. Sixteen years later, Hurricane Ivan destroyed Rick's on September 11, 2004. More destructive than Gilbert, waves in excess of 60-80 feet washed over the property. When the winds finally subsided, Rick’s Café had been blown across the road in bits and pieces. (Rick’s Café)
Over the years, despite two major setbacks due to extensive property damage by Hurricane Gilbert and Ivan, Rick’s was rebuilt again, bigger and better than before.
The popularity of Rick's Café is almost unparalleled. It is not uncommon to see 200 or 300 patrons on the property at any one time, nor for Rick's Café to cater to over 500 patrons for the day, especially during the tourist season. The tourists come on excursions from as far as Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, as well as Negril itself, and the café is also well supported by returning Jamaican residents as well as the local populace. (The observer)
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