US$3M Popeyes franchise opens on Camp Street

The spanking new Popeyes outlet at Camp Street, Georgetown

By Svetlana Marshall

Guyana Restaurant Inc has opened its second Popeyes franchise at the cost of $700 million (US$3 million) on Camp Street, Georgetown.

Chairman of Guyana Restaurant Inc, Ram Lalbadhur Singh, said Popeyes’ remarkable achievements since commencing operations in 2010 have led to the establishment of the second branch. “Driven by the success of our present store which exceeded our expectation and at times its capacity, we believe that there is a need in Central Georgetown for a second facility of this nature,” he explained. Additionally, the decision was made based on Guyana’s ability to record continuous economic growth.

The modern two-storey facility will see the employment of 44 persons, complementing the 32 already employed at the Vlissengen Road Outlet. According to Singh, both facilities would be providing “top-class service” by groups of dedicated and well-trained staff.

The establishment of the multimillion-dollar fast food restaurant is a clear indication of the growing confidence in Guyana’s economy, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said during the commissioning ceremony.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Guyana Restaurant Inc’s Chairman, Ram Lalbadhur Singh, along with other members of the company, cutting the ribbon with the help of a primary school child

“So this investment of over $700 million … represents in my mind yet another manifestation, yet another example that investors’ confidence is alive and well in Guyana,” Dr Singh said. He said this comes despite the negative picture that has been painted of the country. He noted that it was Guyana Restaurant Inc’s assessment of the growing economic possibilities in the country that led to the establishment of the second branch with intentions of opening a third by October.

In addition to the expanding food industry, the Finance Minister said, the hotel, transportation, construction and mining industries have been recording significant growth in Guyana due to the favourable economic climate.

Reference was made to the Guyana Gold Fields Project at the Aurora Gold Mines located in the north-west of the country in Cuyuni-Mazaruni. When it kicks into operation, the Aurora Gold Project is designed to produce 3.29 million ounces of gold, averaging 194,000 ounces annually. But, Minister Singh said, though gold is not being produced just yet, a “silent resolution” has occurred with the company employing approximately 700 persons. He also alluded to the multimillion-dollar call centre which will create more than 5000 jobs when it opens its doors within months. The Qualfon Call Centre is being constructed in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Latin American Consultant to Popeyes, Luis Villasana, and the United States Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt were among other officials present during the opening ceremony. Popeyes Camp Street Branch opens its doors today, ahead of another opening next month at Water and America Streets.