KINGSTON, Jamaica — Juici Patties has formally begun scouting franchise operators for Trinidad and Tobago as the Jamaican restaurant chain seeks to establish approximately 20 locations in the twin-island republic.

The company announced Wednesday that it had opened franchise applications after receiving years of inquiries from Trinidadian entrepreneurs interested in operating the brand.

Juici is inviting applications from both single-unit and multi-unit operators. Prospective franchisees must have at least US$200,000 in liquid capital, including cash, stocks, bonds or other readily available investments.

The move would represent the company’s first major expansion into Trinidad and Tobago and another step in its broader international growth strategy.

“For years, we’ve received messages from people asking when Juici Patties would finally come to Trinidad. We’re excited to say that the wait is over,” said Daniel Chin, director of operations for Juici Patties Jamaica and chief executive officer of Juici Patties USA.

Chin said the expansion was intended to create opportunities for entrepreneurs while demonstrating that Jamaican companies could compete internationally.

Juici currently operates 66 restaurants in Jamaica. The company said it has also opened more than 30 restaurants in the United States over the past two years, with another 30 locations under construction across 11 states.

The company described Trinidad and Tobago as a natural next step in its Caribbean expansion, citing the market’s familiarity with Jamaican culture and demand from prospective operators.

However, Juici did not disclose a timetable for opening its first Trinidad restaurant or identify any franchisees already selected. The proposed 20-store network therefore represents the company’s longer-term target rather than committed locations.

Applications are being accepted through Juici Patties’ international franchising website.