MONTEGO BAY, St James — Even though the details are still being hammered out, Pier One General Manager Jason Russell is hoping to break ground for the expansion of their flagship location in Montego Bay in 2025.

“We would try and break ground next year,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “We are looking to build out the property but we are still in the research phase. We need to see what the market needs.”

The popular watering hole and eatery is located on a complex at Montego Bay’s waterfront, off the heavily trafficked Howard Cooke Boulevard. It has rented space to several other businesses, including Montego Bay Marine Park Trust which is now hunting a new home as Russell and his team ready for the planned expansion.

An open-air seafood restaurant, bar, and entertainment centre, Pier One has been in operation since 1986. It was established by Robert Russell, who has since handed the reins to his children. They have branched out to Pier One on the Beach, which has added a new element to the long-acclaimed Doctor’s Cave Beach.

Jason Russell wants to do more with the Pier One brand, both locally and internationally. He thinks Montego Bay is ready for “more experiences”.

“The question is: What does MoBay need and how we can supply,” he mused.

For now, the focus is on continued recovery from the effects of a cold front in February which saw huge waves crashing into the structure.

“We will be doing some work for the Christmas season. We are going to look at what we do best and make it better,” Jason Russell promised.