Iconic bakery and patty shop Sugar and Spice opened its sixth location in Barbican Square this past Monday. The family business, which is owned and operated by Melissa Lowe and Oliver and Roger Chang, has been supplying loyal customers with baked goods for almost 50 years. The spacious 6,000-square-foot space is one of four units in the Sugar and Spice complex developed by the Changs. There are two available since one will house a JN Bank. The July opening serves as a soft one, with the grand launch scheduled for September, at which time a drive-through will be unveiled.

“Over a million US dollars was invested to develop the complex,” shared Oliver Chang. Indeed the Changs opened the space debt-free and without any outside investors. “We expect to break even in five to 10 years.

“We’re confident of our product. The location is expected to create jobs for up to 50 new staff members.”

The new location will target residents of Jack’s Hill, Cherry Gardens and East King’s House Road. Although there is a Liguanea branch in close proximity, Chang feels the new location is more convenient as many customers would have encountered traffic en route to the Hope Road location. “People might not want to stop at a road-side shop for safety or convenience reasons. We have created a spacious, airy and comfortable location in an area that didn’t have many options.”

With few competitors in the area coupled with competitive pricing — a box lunch ranges from $350 to $650 — it’s a no-brainer for customer Latifa Dixon, who works in the area. “This new location makes my lunch options much easier. It’s hard to get quick, affordable food around here. Plus the new location is really nice.”

Chang has his eyes on the Sunday breakfast market. “You’ll find that there’s no real fast food options (in close proximity) for a hearty Jamaican Sunday breakfast,” he disclosed.

He might be on to a good thing, for with the ubiquitous ackee and salt fish priced at $450, Sugar and Spice might very well become a breakfast destination of choice.

So what makes Sugar and Spice everything that’s nice? Chang claims it is the signature cake that keeps customers returning.

“We use high-quality ingredients and you can tell,” commented Chang. The proof is in the pudding, as the opening was announced on Facebook on Sunday night and by Monday lunchtime the line was out the door.