What started as a bold extension of Brand Jamaica with the inclusion of one of the world’s most iconic sporting legends has grown into one of Jamaica’s most recognisable lifestyle experiences, blending food, music, and sport into something unmistakably Jamaican.

Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records (UBT&R) has evolved beyond a place to dine and has become a gathering point for many.

On Sunday that legacy came into sharp focus as the establishment hosted an exclusive corporate mingle to toast its 15th anniversary.

The atmosphere was equal parts polished and pulsating as specially invited guests, including long-standing vendors and key corporate partners, turned out in strong support of a brand they’ve helped build and sustain.

Conversations flowed as easily as the cocktails, punctuated by laughter, shared memories, and reflections on how far the brand has come. For many in attendance the evening felt like a reunion of sorts — a coming together of the very ecosystem that has powered UBT&R’s success over the years.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer, Amoye Philpotts-Brown, brand manager at Red Stripe, said the significance of the celebration isn’t lost on her organisation. She expressed that from the get-go Red Stripe believed in the vision and is happy to see the establishment revelling in this milestone moment.

“This is not a small fries thing; it’s a really big deal. With Jamaicans, our palates are ever-changing… and so to get to 15 years in this business, especially where persons have multiple options, it’s really special,” she said. “Over the years, what has made Tracks & Records stand out is its ability to maintain a certain standard. Yes, the product is food, but it’s also about bringing the Jamaican culture to life.

“For the past 15 years, Tracks and Records has brought people together in the same way Red Stripe has brought people together for decades, and so it remains a perfect fit for us,” she added.

Over the past decade and a half the restaurant has carved out a unique lane in Jamaica’s competitive hospitality landscape, earning its place not only through its menu offerings but through its ability to consistently deliver an experience. From high-energy viewing parties to curated events that spotlight Jamaican talent and culture, the brand has become deeply woven into the social fabric of entertainment on the island.

Describing the anniversary moment as an honour, Jizell Cowan, marketing and sales manager at UBT&R, sought to thank its partners and supporters. She expressed that without their dedication and commitment 15 years would not have been possible.

“Jamaica as a brand is really strong, we’re loved globally, and so it was easy to build a brand around that fact and especially around a sporting legend like Usain Bolt,” she said. “That’s a huge part of the reason we’re able to celebrate 15 years, and I’m just so happy. We’re so proud to not only be a part of the restaurant industry but the entertainment and sports fraternities as well.”

Gary Matalon, of the KLE Group, the team behind UBT&R, in expressing his gratitude, made special mention of Usain Bolt, whom he said believed in the vision from day one.

“We want to say thanks to Usain Bolt for believing in us, in the vision. One of the greatest joys of this whole journey has been the relationship with people who have been with us since day one. A lot of people in this industry can’t say that they have that level of commitment and loyalty with their team, and I’m forever grateful we have that here at Tracks & Records.”

— Shereita Grizzle

Amoye Philpotts-Brown, brand manager at Red Stripe, brings greetings at the 15th anniversary corporate mingle inside UBT&R on Sunday. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

From left: Gary Matalon, of the KLE Group, the team behind Tracks & Records, is all smiles as the team of Nicholas Taylor, general manager; Vaughn Hutchinson, financial controller; Jizell Cowan, marketing and sales manager; and Ernie Muir, channel development manager, on-trade, Red Stripe, cut the 15th anniversary cake.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Sean Wallace (left), head of commerce at Red Stripe, hands over a special 15th anniversary plaque to Jizell Cowan, marketing and sales manager at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, and Gary Matalon of the KLE Group, the team behind Tracks & Records.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)