RESTAURANT Associates Limited (RAL), operators of Burger King, Popeyes, Little Caesars and Krispy Kreme in Jamaica, officially opened two new locations and four restaurants in Spanish Town, St Catherine, on Sunday.

The new locations — a Little Caesars and a Popeyes in the heart of Spanish Town, as well as a joint Popeyes and Burger King in Angels — were completed at an approximate cost of $100-$150 million each and represent, according to RAL’s Chief Executive Officer Lisa Lake, strategic plans to expand further in St Catherine and invest into the growing communities there.

Lake said the company has a vision for the future of Spanish Town and has been developing the strategic investment for three years as part of a broader, long-term plan to improve accessibility, convenience, and economic impact on the town and other communities in the parish.

“With the rise of residential and commercial development in Spanish Town, this is also a significant opportunity for Restaurant Associate brands to be more involved in the Spanish Town community. There is a demand in the locale from people who love our food’s great taste and the affordability, so this was a natural next step in our expansion plans,” said Lake.

These new additions bring the total number of Little Caesars in St Catherine to 11, Popeyes to 17, and Burger King, 31. The company now has a total number of 104 restaurants across its four brands within the Caribbean.

As part of RAL’s expansion plans, another six locations are expected to open in St Catherine over the next two years.

Additionally, an average of 22 people from in and around Spanish Town were hired for each location, and the company has reiterated its commitment to fostering employee development through its training programmes, anticipating the creation of more jobs as it expands.

In her remarks on Sunday, Member of Parliament for St Catherine North Central Natalie Neita Garvey commended the company and others like it for investing in the community which typically evokes concerns based on the current climate.

“I want to extend to you our heartfelt thanks for your vision and your belief in the Spanish Town community because we are indeed a lovely community,” said Neita Garvey.

Meanwhile, councillor for the Spanish Town Division Christopher Shackleford, who offered remarks on behalf of the Member of Parliament for St Catherine Central Olivia Grange, said, “Spanish Town is a place with significant history and culture but we’re also witnessing a significant transformation. Our town is no longer seen as a place for the past. It is now seen as a place for growth, economic development and opportunity.”