Jamaica’s diners hope to sizzle again

Jamaica’s food service industry has taken a financial hit as they faced months of operating at reduced capacity because of the impact of the lockdown. But as the economy gradually reopens, local restaurant operators are confident in re-attracting their customers.

Restaurant and entertainment lounge 100 Hope Road have reopened is currently instituting measures to ensure safety for its employees and patrons, Sudu Ramani, chief financial officer said.

“100 has always been a place of choice for customers who expect to experience great food and entertainment. A lot of restructuring to our business process is being implemented in keeping with our reputation for delivering what we promise. We have a reputation to maintain, and all is being done to ensure our brand value is not diluted but enhanced,” Ramani said.

He added that while the restaurant operated with a skeletal staff because of the drastic 95 percent reduction in business, it has now implemented “an aggressive social media campaign to promote several new events that are being planned”.

George Makhoul, manager of Sizzlin' Grill, which is located at the Sovereign Centre's food court in Kingston, indicated similar marketing strategies.

“We are pushing more content on our social media accounts, but now that the curfew isn't so strict, we're trying to convince people that it's safe to come in,” he said.

Managing director of Pizza Please, Pietro Giuliani said: “It was, and still is, a bit desolate to have our tables and chairs put aside and unavailable. We are surely looking forward to the laughter and company of our dine-in customers again.”