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Restaurants of Jamaica

Approximately 26 years ago, Restaurant of Jamaica Limited (ROJ) opened its doors at 170 Old Hope Road, the first KFC restaurant in Jamaica, following the granting of a franchise by Hueblein International.

Owners of the Jamaican franchise were then Anthony and Lorna Myers,who were of the firm belief that, the rewards from a successful business would be reaped not only by its owners and employees, but would be extended to a wide cross section of Jamaicans,through corporate support for both local and national projects. Restaurants of Jamaica was determined from the outset to make a huge success by:

1. Consistently providing a high –quality product at reasonable cost to all Jamaicans;

2. Utilizing all – Jamaican inputs, for KFC’s secret seasonings, in its operations;

3. Developing the company’s human resources to the point where they would choose to make a career out of their employment – and commitment to growth of the business.

4. Being a good corporate citizen who supports without public applause, projects at both the national and community levels.

With the passing of Tony Myers in 1990, his son Mark,took over the reins of the business. Mark had joined the company officially in 1988. Having received extensive training in the operations, he was well trained and ready to move into ROJ’s top management position alongside his mother,Lorna Myers.

GROWTH CHALLENGES

14 KFC restaurants were opened in Jamaica between 1975-1988. However, a slowing in the economy between 1989 and 1993 put a virtual halt to the expansion programme with customer count falling because of rise in the price of chicken meat that was directly attributable to fluctuations in the value of the Jamaican dollar and the cost of money overall .

Notwithstanding, by 1994, the company was ready to resume its expansion, although CEO Mark Myers admits that the company took a cautious approach in its development plans. Popular acceptance led to the opening of several other locations being opened in quick succession – Portmore, a second one on King Street, Savanna La Mar, Brown’s Town and a second store in Montego Bay.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Today there are 22 KFC restaurants throughout Jamaica. Despite having to work with some higher costs of production, KFC Jamaica has been able to keep the price of its product affordable by opting for high volume/lower unit profit business model, instead of low volume/higher unit profit model. This is done while maintaining the traditonal high quality of the KFC product, and success is evident in the fact that the restaurants customer count increases on almost an annual basis.

Restaurants of Jamaica contributes tangibly to the Jamaican economy via the employment of approximately 1,100 persons in KFC restaurants island-wide. The vast majority of managers and supervisors boast over 10 years of service with KFC moving up through the ranks from team member to team leader, to supervisor and restaurant manager.

KFC donates millions of dollars each year to sponsorship of various sports, entertainment and community programmes.

We congratulate KFC on their achievement!! Our wish for you is that you grow from strength to strength.

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