JUICI Patties is accelerating its international and local expansion, opening three new stores in April alone as it pushes toward becoming a global standard-bearer for Jamaican cuisine.

The new locations —Orlando, Florida; Brooklyn, New York; and the Winston Jones Highway in Manchester — bring the company’s total store count to 73. The aggressive roll-out is part of a broader strategy to capture more of the Diaspora market in the United States while deepening its footprint at home.

Early sales data show Juici is seeing strong demand in new markets. In its first week the Orlando location moved 19,000 patties, while the Brooklyn store topped that with 24,000 patties sold, setting a record for the company’s USA operations.

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response from our customers, which is a testament to the love and demand for Juici Patties,” CEO of Juici Patties USA, Daniel Chin said in a press statement regarding the expansion. “Our commitment to quality and authentic flavours continues to drive our success.”

Juici’s approach to international growth has largely focused on targeting areas with dense Caribbean populations. Florida was the first stop, with stores opening in Hollywood, Miramar, Sunrise, and Lauderdale Lakes. Now, the company has set its sights on the north-east and the south, with Chin previously outlining plans to launch stores in Atlanta and across New York City’s boroughs.

The Brooklyn store, located on bustling Fulton Street, is part of a multi-unit franchise deal expected to see Juici open at least eight locations across New York, including in the Bronx and Queens. The Atlanta market, where large Jamaican and Caribbean communities continue to grow, has also been flagged as a priority in Juici’s next wave of expansion.

At home, the company is also strengthening its presence. The newly opened Manchester location was deliberately placed on the busy Winston Jones Highway to serve both locals and travellers heading toward the island’s south coast.

“CEO, Mr Jukie Chin saw the need to put a store along the corridor to serve the wider community and patrons who are also travelling to the south coast,” Retail Operations Manager Edridge Darling said. “This location also has a dual drive-through, which was put in place as part of our efforts to create even more convenience for our customers and improve the efficiency of our service.”

In just over a year Juici Patties has opened 12 stores — an unusually fast pace for a brand with both corporate and franchise locations. But Chin suggests the company is just getting started. While he hasn’t revealed specific numbers he indicated that the current growth spurt is “merely a warm-up” for what lies ahead.

Founded in Clarendon, Juici has grown from a small operation into Jamaica’s largest fast food chain. It now exports patties to several overseas markets, and its stores are increasingly being used as anchor points to build deeper customer loyalty among Diaspora communities. At the same time, the company said it is focused on preserving the flavour, speed, and accessibility that made it popular to begin with.

— Karena Bennett