Local fast food chain Juici Patties is flying the Jamaican flag high with its aggressive approach to expansion overseas through new stores and franchises, selling an estimated 3,000 patties a day in Florida, United States.

Wednesday’s edition of the Business Observer tells us that Juici Patties has set its sights on New York City and Atlanta, Georgia, as the next expansion targets, after opening four stores in the Sunshine State.

If they list the patty as an invention, this wonder of modern creation would have to rank among the greatest inventions in local food. The Jamaican working man and woman know that, through thick and thin, this crusty little flour and meat delicacy need only be accompanied by a drink to make a filling, nutritious, and affordable lunch.

Jamaica’s two foremost patty manufacturers — Tastee Limited and Juici Patties, both of which had the distinction of being Jamaica Observer Business Leader nominees — have made the island proud on the international front. Wherever one outlet sets up shop, the other is usually not far behind.

Their very sensible modus operandi is to target locations in any country where Jamaicans can be found in significant numbers. Juici Patties seems to have hit it off almost overnight in the Florida market, starting with two stores in March this year and two new ones since August, in Sunrise and Lauderdale Lakes.

“We’re thrilled that the communities have already been so supportive. This support is truly appreciated as we build out more locations in Florida,” said Mr Daniel Chin, director of operations in Jamaica and CEO of Juici Patties’ US division.

Clearly buoyed by the early successes, Mr Chin made the ambitious announcement that the goal is to open a Juici Patties location within driving distance of at least 50 per cent of all Floridians.

Moreover, the broader strategy to grow its US presence is to open 23 additional locations in Florida. In addition to preparing to break ground on its first locations in New York City and Atlanta early next year, Juici Patties plans to expand across the US, aiming to open stores in all 50 states by 2028, building on the strong foundations laid in Jamaica, where the company operates 65 stores and is a household name.

In 2014, prior to the US venture, Juici Patties launched out on its “hands across the water” ventures by inking a deal with Britain’s award-winning patty manufacturer, Cleone Foods Ltd, where staff are making snacks with Juici Patties’ famous secret recipe.

From that, Sainsbury’s is exclusively stocking Juici Patties’ Birmingham-made snacks in more than 20 of its stores, with further major UK supermarkets in line to carry the Jamaican brand shortly thereafter.

On the US move, Mr Chin, whose father Mr Jukie Chin launched Juici Patties in May Pen, Clarendon, as a 16-year-old entrepreneur 15 years ago, was quoted as saying that the Jamaican populations in New York City and Atlanta are substantial and influential, contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of these cities.

The company says it has opened six new locations in the last six months, and the goal for the rest of the year is to open one new location per month.

Jamaicans cannot help but be proud of bequeathing to the world this wonderful product. At the same time, we commend Juici Patties for adding more value to Brand Jamaica.