KFC's $200-m investment creates over 50 jobs in Trelawny
FALMOUTH, Trelwany — Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ) opened its 36th KFC restaurant in Jamaica yesterday and disclosed that an additional three are to be opened on the island next year as part of the company's thrust to expand business and create more employment.
“We are not slowing down,” ROJ Managing Director Mark Myers said at the official opening of the restaurant in Champion Plaza, Falmouth.
He later told the Jamaica Observer that his company expects to open two outlets in the Corporate Area — Harbour View and Mountain View — by March, and another in May Pen, Clarendon, later in the year.
Yesterday, he told the gathering in Falmouth that the latest store, which employs over 50 people from surrounding communities, represents an investment of over $200 million.
“ROJ now employs more than 2,000 staff across the group and provides opportunities in other sectors with the creation of each new store,” Myers said, adding “KFC uses local distributors and supports local farmers and agricultural products.”
He said that the company is committed to building synergies and contributing to nation building.
“This growth demands our continued belief in Jamaica as an excellent place to do business. We continue to be in growth mode as we expand our business and locations to create more employment opportunities and build deeper ties to the communities we serve,” he said.
The opening of the Falmouth restaurant brings to five the number of KFC stores across the western region.
St James accounts for three, while the other is located in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland.
Myers noted that over the years, residents of Falmouth and other communities in Trelawny travelled regularly to Montego Bay to patronise KFC stores. “Now, there is no longer a need to do so,” he said.
“We have answered your call for a more convenient way to enjoy your favourite quick-service restaurant. Falmouth, we reach!” declared an upbeat Myers.
Minister of Industry, Agriculture, Commerce and Fisheries Audley Shaw lauded ROJ for its sterling contribution to the island.
He noted that the opening of the company's latest store is indicative of the growth and development of Trelawny.
“Trelawny has seen tremendous activities in recent years, and is now transformed into a formidable tourist destination. There has also been the opening of other businesses and housing developments, as well as other social and economic projects,” said Shaw.
“Indeed, this sleepy, historic town of Falmouth has morphed, almost overnight, into one of the most impressive places in the island.”
Shaw also told the gathering that the parish is poised for further growth and development, as within the next few years the Hampden Wharf development is expected to be completed, three housing projects will be developed, and several major agricultural projects will come on stream.
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