A fitting feather in its 50th year anniversary cap, KFC, operated by Restaurants of Jamaica, was the Lifetime Achievement Awardee. In accepting the award, CEO Mark Myers apologised for ‘shutting down the country’ on June 19, referencing the big deal brawta promotion on the day of KFC’s 50th anniversary in Jamaica, which drew massive crowds at KFC locations islandwide.

Holness playfully responded, “I do not accept your apology.”

The Chairman’s Award went to Coldfield Manufacturing Ltd, run by the Wong Family; celebrating decades of providing hydration to Jamaicans with its Big Jo, Country Style, and Pure Country products.

“It honours us and humbles us after 35 years of hard work to be recognised, and we thank you for this opportunity to thank our many suppliers, vendors, [supporters], and our most loyal and hardworking staff and, most of all, the Jamaican public, people who enjoy and have happy memories of Big Jo from high school which I’m sure everyone in here has a memory of,” Managing Director Brett Wong said to cheers from the crowd.

Restaurant of the Year went to Del Mare Restaurant at Half Moon Resort, while One Park Restaurant and Lounge was crowned Best New Restaurant.