Juici Patties, Jamaica’s largest restaurant chain, has opened its newest location at Whitter Village Plaza in Ironshore, St James, marking its 71st store across Jamaica, Florida, and Barbados. The new franchise, which began operations on November 1, 2024, is the latest in Juici Patties’ strategic expansion, as the company aims to launch one new location each month to increase accessibility across the region.

Located in Ironshore, a rapidly growing community near Montego Bay, the new outlet aims to capture demand from both residents and visitors in the area. Franchise partners Nohaud Azan, Edward Azan, and Radcliffe Knibbs — collectively known as NER Holdings — operate this location. With extensive experience managing Juici Patties franchises across Jamaica, including outlets in Discovery Bay, Fairview, and Harbour City, NER Holdings brings a well-honed approach to scaling the brand in new markets.

“Opening a new Juici Patties franchise in Ironshore allows us to bring our authentic Jamaican flavours to residents who may not have convenient access to our locations near Montego Bay town centre,” said Nohaud Azan, partner at NER Holdings.

“This new site positions us to serve the Ironshore community’s demand for high-quality Jamaican food while expanding our footprint in a region seeing strong growth in tourism and hospitality.”

Positioned close to the island’s major hospitality hubs, the Ironshore location leverages Montego Bay’s tourism-driven demand for quick-service, authentic Jamaican food options. According to Azan, Ironshore’s convenient access, coupled with Juici Patties’ established brand loyalty, enhances the location’s potential to become a popular choice among residents and tourists alike.

Beyond its strategic placement, the Ironshore franchise is expected to generate local employment opportunities, contributing to the community’s economic development.

“Our goal is to create an operation that not only brings authentic Jamaican food to more people but also contributes positively to the local economy,” stated Daniel Chin, director of operations in Jamaica and CEO of Juici Patties US Division, in a press release.

“This new franchise is another step in our mission to grow Juici Patties’ reach while supporting community development.”

As part of Juici Patties’ ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, NER Holdings plans to incorporate sustainable practices at the Ironshore restaurant, including reduced use of single-use plastics and optimised energy-efficient operations. Knibbs, another partner in NER Holdings, emphasised the team’s dedication to implementing eco-friendly solutions, which he views as integral to the brand’s continued success and community alignment.

“With Juici Patties Ironshore, we aim to foster a responsible business that aligns with sustainable practices as we grow. Our team recognises the importance of minimising waste and optimising energy use, reinforcing our commitment to not only quality service but also environmental stewardship,” Knibbs noted.

Juici Patties’ continued expansion in Jamaica underscores its position as a staple in the Jamaican quick-service market. The Ironshore franchise’s unique menu additions, including egg and fish sandwiches and pumpkin soup, are tailored to cater to both loyal customers and new patrons exploring Jamaican cuisine.

“Our expansion strategy is centred on delivering authentic, high-quality Jamaican food experiences,” added Chin. “We look forward to welcoming both residents and visitors to our Ironshore location and are excited to further our mission of making Juici Patties an accessible option across Jamaica and beyond.”