Ian Dear, chairman and CEO of Express Catering Limited (ECL), on Tuesday, December 6 announced plans for the development and introduction of new food and beverage brands for the Jamaican company which will later include roll-out of the offerings to new locations across the island.

Express Catering Limited is a Jamaica registered company and subsidiary of Margaritaville St Lucia Inc, with its ultimate parent being Margaritaville Caribbean Group Ltd. The subsidiary is the largest food and beverage provider at the Sangster International Airport (SIA).

The CEO said a strategic expansion is underway for the ECL portfolio will focus on F&B operations at SIA and also a deepen the company’s relationship with Focus Brands LLC.

Focus Brands LLC is, itself, a US developer of global, multi-channel food service brands with over 4,000 stores worldwide across seven well-known brands (which include Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Cinnabon cinnamon rolls).

ECLs expansion will facilitate catering to the general public at the SIA and passengers in the arrivals area (meet and greet) of the airport. The investment cost was not shared. Dear commented, “We are expecting the for current build out to be completed in the first quarter of next year having already commenced. We will evaluate the investment from there.”

Dear outlined that new food and beverage offerings will include locations for Tastee Patties, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon “and our new proprietary Spice Kitchen and Bar which will feature local favourites such as fried and jerk chicken.”

The addition of these outlets are expected to substantially increase the depth and breadth of ECL’s offerings for passengers, the general public and employees of SIA, the company head said.

Dear said that the company intends, after an evaluation of this pilot project, to roll-out Auntie Anne’s® and Cinnabon® outlets across Jamaica, with the aim of “creating a unique addition to the current sweet and savoury F&B landscape on the island.”

It is anticipated that ECL will develop and operate multiple franchised locations from Focus Brands’ portfolio of brands across Jamaica, offering the unique Auntie Anne’s® pretzels menu and Cinnabon’s® bakery menu. ECL also intends to enter the lucrative fast casual market for fried and jerk chicken with Spice Kitchen and Bar in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

He outlined, “The design of the arrivals’ food and beverage offerings at SIA will present the brands in a relaxed environment that captures the spirit of Jamaica. The in-line kiosks will be designed with the look and feel of street-side food kiosks, showcasing a dynamic use of materials and vibrant colours. Spice Kitchen and Bar takes its design inspiration from the many watering holes across Jamaica…a rustic, laid-back atmosphere with a modern feel achieved by using timber, zinc and other components, providing touches of authenticity which will resonate with both our local and international customers.

“We want arriving passengers to get a real sense of welcome when they arrive in Jamaica…to have the feeling that their vacation starts here. We also want our fellow Jamaicans [who will have full access to these concepts] to come and experience the new and exciting offerings at the arrivals area of the Sangster International Airport,” outlined Dear.

The CEO said, “We are confident will open an entirely new business model and segment for ECL, serving a wider demographic outside of the airport departures customer base. This will open additional revenue streams and provide customer diversity, substantially increasing our upside potential.”