Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) recently collaborated with Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) to facilitate the training of entrepreneurs across the island, who operate under the Reggae Jammin' brand, through the Steps To Work programme. "Reggae Jammin is committed to providing our hot dog cart vendors with continuous support through training, product discounts, uniforms, and promotion at their locations, and an opportunity to operate at Reggae Jammin's promotional events," Racquel Rowe, brand officer for Reggae Jammin', told Thursday Life.

Under the Steps To Work programme, the vendors — who serve up tasty hot dogs using the Reggae Jammin' frankfurters — received marketing and customer service techniques they will find useful in improving their operations.

The goal of the programme is to "train small business people to increase their productivity and achieve success from their business," explains JBDC Business Service Provider Kamau Janai.

In addition to the training, Jamaica Broilers enlisted the help of Observer Food Awards Chef on the Rise Brian Lumley to create five tasty toppings to make the hot dogs truly Jammin'; thereby extending the Reggae Jammin experience to their customers.

During the live demonstrations last week Wednesday at the JBG McCook's Pen headquarters, the vendors witnessed first-hand as chef Lumley whipped up the tomato bruschetta, caramelised onions, warm corn and tomato salsa, guacamole, and pineapple coconut guacamole toppings, and were offered the chance to taste the toppings on hot dogs. "These are easy-to-create recipes that will make a difference to the vendors and customers. It's always good to change things up every now again, and the best part is these are items that you will get at the market," Lumley says of the ingredients. Thursday Life shares highlights.