Arya QSR Limited, operators of the BirdShack Fried Chicken franchise, has announced that it will be opening two additional restaurants, doubling the number of stores now in Jamaica.

Some 60 individuals are expected to be employed at the two new stores to be opened in Montego Bay, St James and Ocho Rios, St Ann on Saturday, February 3, and Thursday, February 29, respectively.

According to Wayne Cummings, chief executive officer of Arya QSR Limited, the new store in Montego Bay will be the third in the St James capital and will be strategically placed at 10 Barnett Street.

“This store will serve the busy city centre, particularly the thousands of pedestrians and public transportation passengers using the centre on Barnett Street. This store joins the other two Montego Bay locations, Whitter Village in Ironshore and Barnett Tech Park in Fairfield,” a release from Arya QSR Limited quoted Cummings as saying.

“Following this is the highly anticipated opening of the fourth store, the first outside of Montego Bay. This 3,000-square-foot superstore opens in the busy tourist town of Ocho Rios along the bypass road. Located at the new Ocho Rios Bypass Plaza, next door to the recently established Fesco Gas Station, the franchise holders are confident that this store will become a fast favourite for customers in Ocho Rios and its environs,” Cummings added.

He further disclosed that Arya QSR is actively in planning mode for the fifth store set to be opened in Drax Hall, also in St Ann.

At the first store’s launch on April 22, 2022, the company promised to open at least nine stores by 2026.

“So far, the goal is being realised, and the team is pleased to be keeping that promise well ahead of the initial development timelines. This augurs well for the franchise to exceed nine stores by the end of 2026,” Cummings stated.

“Notwithstanding the difficulties all businesses face in finding staff, we are pleased that with 100 employees already on our payroll, by the time we open the fourth store, we will be the proud employers of 150 amazing Jamaicans. With that, we couldn’t be more pleased that not only is Jamaica showing real love for BirdShack Fried Chicken, but we are impacting the economic lives of so many with each store we open,” he further stated.