OPERATOR of

the Usain Bolt’s

Tracks and Records restaurant and lounge KLE Group has approved the opening of the restaurant’s first franchise in Ocho Rios later this year.

The Jamaica Observer has learnt that the new franchise will be managed by husband- and-wife team of Joshua Jhamnani and Marsha Bent-Jhamnani.

Following the launch of Tracks & Records four years ago, the Jamaican-themed restaurant concept was developed to capitalise on the global appeal and affinity for Brand Jamaica and to celebrate the success of the world’s fastest sprinter. The lounge has since grown into a premier location for supporters in Jamaica and international visitors.

Tracks & Records’ flagship location is The Marketplace on Constant Spring Road, spanning over 7,000 square feet of space. In addition to multiple bars, lounge areas, and dining destinations, the restaurant and lounge boasts over 200 seats, a mezzanine, VIP areas, hi-tech booth seating, and a retail shop that carries exclusive Brand Bolt products.

According to the company’s website, “The brands unique decor reflects the offering’s dual sports and music concept — playing on the ‘tracks’ run on and the ‘records’ broken by Usain Bolt, as well as on the tracks and records which are key elements of music.”

The Ocho Rios franchise is expected to replicate the ambiance and Jamaican- inspired cuisine of

the Kingston restaurant. The Jhamnanis have not disclosed the total investment cost for the project, but has committed to providing exceptional customer service through continuous training and development, while maintaining the brand’s unique characteristics.

“The restaurants central location in Ocho Rios, large parking area, and close to 5,000-square-foot floor plan are features we believe will maximise its potential,” the managers stated.

Jhamnani will be targeting the cruise ship and hotel industry, with primary focus on passengers from Falmouth and Ocho Rios’ piers and visitors from north coast hotels.

Combined, the Jhamnanis are both experienced entrepreneurs with sales and marketing experience in the retail and merchandise industry, and more than nine years of success within the hotel and hospitality industry.

“We strongly believe that the franchise will perform particularly well in this market, which accounts for a large segment of Jamaica’s tourism influx,” Jhamnani stated.

The launch of the new franchise will coincide with the peak of the tourism season. Anticipations are that more than 339 cruise ships will dock in Ocho Rios and Falmouth with an estimated total of 847,500 passengers. The Tracks and Records brand is already being marketed to major cruise lines, while plans are underway for the arrangement of freelance lunch shuttles at more than 15 hotels in the town.

CEO of KLE Group, Gary Matalon, in a release, stated that “the location, driven by the Jhamnani’s, creates the perfect profile of a successful venture. They have put a lot of work into creating a dynamic environment that will run parallel to what we have already established at

Marketplace. We are looking forward to the final results and expect great things in the coming months”.