At 45 years old, Tastee is still hot… piping hot… and its armies of loyal customers like it that way. For the lunchtime crowd, whether from busy urban centres or quaint rural districts, nothing quite hits the spot like the familiarity of the flaky beef patty in that ubiquitous brown paper bag. Tastee pioneered the patty as a beloved lunchtime meal, paving the way for other local franchises to follow. In the face of an increasingly competitive marketplace, that was not necessarily so four decades ago, Tastee remains a must-do, lunch-on-the-go favourite of many looking for a bite. The patty empire was founded by its chief executive officer Vincent Chang, back in 1966, after he discovered he had a talent for the craft of baking. Working at the Hannah Town Bakery in Kingston for four years after leaving the St George’s Extension School in 1960, Chang enrolled at the Institute of Baking in Chicago, where he studied baking science and technology. The entrepreneur started with a small-scale business that sold a few dozen patties, bun and cheese, in addition to snacks and drinks. With his baking knowledge, Chang began experimenting with his patty and meat loaf recipes, which soon started to pay off. This led Chang (who was crowned Jamaica Observer Business Leader in 2003) to open his first store outlet in 1966, branding it “Tastee”, a play on the American brand ‘Tasty’ which he had grown familiar with while studying in the States. His signature flaky, spicy meat-filled creation proved an instant hit, and success was truly in the making.

Thursday Food recently checked in with patty lovers at Tastee’s flagship store in Cross Roads (and some known names) for their take on what makes a Tastee patty soooo good.

Glenroy Walker, Observer Food Awards 2011 Chef on the Rise Winner

“A Tastee patty’s crust is quite flaky and light. More than anything, the patty never wavers in its consistency, and I love the background taste of the meat and the spices. As for my favourite, I’m a beef patty lover!”

Francis ‘Paco’ Kennedy, Vice-President Jamaica Chamber of Commerce

“They’re the only patties I eat. It’s a great lunch snack with a cool drink, preferably a Pepsi. I’ve been eating Tastee patties since they opened over 45 years ago… Mr Chang is actually a good friend of mine.”

Lisa Hanna, Member of Parliament for South East St Ann

“They’re fresh, very tasty and I’ve always loved the crust of a Tastee patty. I enjoy the patty best by itself and eat it very slowly so I can savour it. I have a patty at least once a week. I find the best ones are at Tastee’s Washington Boulevard branch. I would also like to congratulate the Chang family on attaining their 45th anniversary. They are a true testament of the Jamaican spirit and have helped to do so much. It’s my hope the Tastee brand expands so I can see Tastee patties and branches all over the world.”

Kingsley Cooper, Chairman and CEO Pulse Model Agency

“I remember back in the day at Kingston College, Victor Chang, our teacher, bought a box of Tastee patties for the literature class. It was quite a treat then, as I am sure it is now.”

Leighton McKnight, Partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers

“Most Saturdays I’ll have a Tastee beef patty and a coco bread… for me, it’s an authentic Jamaican tradition. I’ve been eating them for over 30 years and nobody beats their coco bread; for me it’s the best.”

Cynthia Pinnock, secretary

“I’ve been eating Tastee patties since its inception. I remember when they were in Union Square in Cross Roads before they moved the main store to Half-Way-Tree Road. I like the flaky taste and it’s always fresh. Plus, whenever I’m travelling, I always have to bring patties with me for family and friends.

Oral Reid, singer

“It tastes a lot better than others I’ve had and it’s better seasoned too. Whenever I have one, it gives me a drive to eat another and I always like them hot.”

Annique Forrester, student, Immaculate Conception High

“I love their beef patties because they’re spicy and taste just right. I enjoy them best with a coco bread, which I love because they’re buttery.”

Rhonda James, telemarketer

“I like Tastee patties because I always get them hot, and they’re always of the same standard. I have patties at least once a week when I don’t feel for a heavy meal. I’m partial to chicken patties and coco bread.”